Water that is! It’s that time of year again where so many of us spend more time outdoors and in the sun and heat of the day. Even on cool summer days it is surprising how easy it is to become dehydrated.
Just as you water your garden or plants regularly, it is also critical that you water your body if you want it to stay healthy. The amount of water that you need might vary a bit from person to person and situation to situation. For example, a person who is outside in the heat or humidity might need more water to stay hydrated. A good rule of thumb is to consider drinking between eight and ten eight-ounce glasses per day.
Water affects your health in many ways. Did you know that your brain is about 80% water and your brain health depends on you staying properly hydrated? Dehydration can raise cortisol and other stress hormone levels, which can result in “foggy” thinking. Dehydration may also cause headaches, joint pain, and even memory loss!
You can get dehydrated even when it is not hot outside. If you drink caffeine, especially coffee, or consume alcohol you can become dehydrated. If you are going to enjoy a cup or two of coffee or a bit of alcoholic cheer, drink some extra water. My rule of thumb for this is to match every caffeine drink or alcoholic drink with an equal amount of water. This helps offset dehydration and keeps the brain and body healthier.
Dehydration can sneak up on us. In fact, by the time you actually feel thirsty, you are often in the first stages of dehydration. So be proactive and drink plenty of water. Real water! Not sugary drinks that contain sweeteners or other additives. Drinking a large glass of plain old cold water is healthy and refreshing. So, DRINK UP!
To your health!
Gail Grieger
Just as you water your garden or plants regularly, it is also critical that you water your body if you want it to stay healthy. The amount of water that you need might vary a bit from person to person and situation to situation. For example, a person who is outside in the heat or humidity might need more water to stay hydrated. A good rule of thumb is to consider drinking between eight and ten eight-ounce glasses per day.
Water affects your health in many ways. Did you know that your brain is about 80% water and your brain health depends on you staying properly hydrated? Dehydration can raise cortisol and other stress hormone levels, which can result in “foggy” thinking. Dehydration may also cause headaches, joint pain, and even memory loss!
You can get dehydrated even when it is not hot outside. If you drink caffeine, especially coffee, or consume alcohol you can become dehydrated. If you are going to enjoy a cup or two of coffee or a bit of alcoholic cheer, drink some extra water. My rule of thumb for this is to match every caffeine drink or alcoholic drink with an equal amount of water. This helps offset dehydration and keeps the brain and body healthier.
Dehydration can sneak up on us. In fact, by the time you actually feel thirsty, you are often in the first stages of dehydration. So be proactive and drink plenty of water. Real water! Not sugary drinks that contain sweeteners or other additives. Drinking a large glass of plain old cold water is healthy and refreshing. So, DRINK UP!
To your health!
Gail Grieger
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