The Importance of Hydration
Guest Post by Bonnie Pace, MS, CNS, LDN
Drinking water is more natural when the weather is warm, your body sweats easier and you feel thirst more frequently. But if you consider how dry your skin (your body’s largest organ) gets in sweater weather, it highlights how much you need to hydrate in fall and winter.
There are many other health reasons to increase your water consumption. One study showed that there was a direct correlation between increasing water consumption and decreasing your intake of sugar, saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol. All without dieting… . just add water!
Did you know that water makes up 75% of the brain and 83% of our blood? Your body needs water to operate at its best. Other benefits of staying hydrated include helping your body better absorb nutrients, protecting and cushioning your bones and vital organs, maintaining your temperature and eliminating waste. On the other hand, symptoms of dehydration can include fatigue, headaches, and problems with mood and focus.
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So, how do you hydrate? Start by striving to reach general recommendations – 64 ounces a day. If you currently are drinking less than half of that, then start with a couple 8-ounce glasses a day and try to add more each day. There are ways to make this more easily achievable, including decaf herbal tea (caffeinated beverages are vasoconstrictors and can have the opposite effect) and no-sugar added seltzer waters. Slice up fresh fruit such as oranges, lemons and pineapple and add to your water for a punch of taste. Many foods also have a high water content, such as soups and stews, celery, melons and strawberries.
So, do your body a favor and drink your water!
Interested in nutritional counseling?
If you have questions about how to better drink or eat for optimal health, licensed nutritionist and personal trainer Bonnie Pace is here to help. Make an appointment with Pace for one-on-one nutritional counseling based on your body and your goals. She can be reached at 410-531-0800 x2303 or bonnie.pace@
