MAKING SENSE OF HOW MUCH WATER YOU NEED TO DRINK
As we head into a record breaking drought and above 100 degree days, I have been asked by several people on my thoughts about the controversy lately of how much water do we really need to drink on a daily basis. Every day our bodies' loss water through urine and sweat, and this fluid needs to be replenished. Your body is already equipped with a mechanism that tells you when you need to replenish your water - you get thirsty.
Many studies support that when you are feeling the sensation of thirst you are already 30% dehydrated. Another indication that your body is dehydrated is if your urine is dark yellow (this is not an accurate measurement if you are taking B2 or a multivitamin and your body isn't absorbing it). Your urine should be a very light colored yellow.
You may not realize that your body is made up of approximately 65% water. So you can imagine it is important in many essential processes of life. Water is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption and elimination, aids your circulation, helps control your body's temperature, lubricates and cushions your joints, helps keep your skin healthy, helps remove toxins from your body, and for many Austinites that live with allergies it acts as a natural anti-histamine. So drink up!
The golden equation that I follow and the one prescribed to my patients on how much water you should be drinking is: body weight is pounds /divided by 2 = amount of water intake your body needs in ounces per day. For example, a 150 lbs person should drink 75 ounces of water a day. Research concludes that your body utilizes water better if you drink 3-4 ounces every thirty minutes throughout the day, verses gulping glass after glass in one sitting. Of course, if it's hot, exceptionally dry outside or you are engaged in exercise or other vigorous activity, you will require more water than normal so be sure to stay well hydrated in these cases.
Keep in mind that reaching your daily requirement of water with substitutes such as sodas, coffee or sugary fruit juices is not the same as drinking pure water! Both coffee and soda are high in caffeine, which acts as a diuretic that will dehydrate you even further.
In regards to what kind of water to drink, I prefer water that has been filtered by reversed osmosis or spring water. Drinking bottled water is not as great as you may think. Many companies just filter tap water and bottle it. So read up on what kind of water is in the bottled water you purchase.
All in all, it is very difficult to over-hydrate your body. So we shouldn't be focused on if we are drinking too much watermost people aren't drinking enough.
If you would like to learn more about ways to keep your family healthy, you are invited to stop by our offices and meet the team at Four Points Family Chiropractic. We will be very happy to answer any questions you may have.
You are also invited to attend one of Dr. Ross' weekly "Half Hour to Health" workshops - Every other Wednesday at 6:00pm. The next one is schedule for July 6th.
As always, Dr. Ross Coccimiglio and his staff are dedicated to providing you and your family with the tools and knowledge needed to achieve optimal health. For more information please contact - Four Points Family Chiropractic - 6618 Sitio Del Rio Blvd. - Suite 101 (In River Place Plaza, across from the IBC Bank) 512-345-9355 (WELL). Or visit www.fourpointschiropractic.com.
"Watching Your Back,"
Your Health Coach
Dr. Ross Coccimiglio
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