- lydiaspringer
WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: HYDRATION TIPS AND INFUSED WATERS
Okay, I know a long time ago I said I was going to turn most of my Wellness Wednesday InstaStories into blog posts, and I know I failed (epically). But we're getting back on track (trying to, at least) so let's get right into it.
This post is all about hydration information (rhyme?) and easy infused water ideas for when plain ol' water gets too boring.
HYDRATION INFORMATION
When it comes to how much water you should be drinking, we've all heard the 8 x 8 rule (8x 8 ounce glasses), but that's not accurate.
The amount of water you should be drinking every day is different for everyone (obviously), because we are all different weights.
To calculate how much water you should drink based on your weight:
Take your weight and multiply by 2/3 (or 67%)
So, for example:
175 lbs X 2/3 = 117 (which is ~3.5 litres...woah)
∴ you require 117 ounces of water a day
If we're being totally honest, for me, it would be (depending how much I've eaten that day, amiright ladies):
118 x 2/3 = 78 ounces = 2.3 litres
BUT, don't feel like you need to strictly follow this rule! If the number you come up with still seems like too much water, just try your best at drinking as much as you can without feeling uncomfortable or stressed that you're not drinking enough.
BENEFITS OF DRINKING WATER
1. Increases brain power and provides energy
The brain is 73% water, so drinking water helps you focus, concentrate and stay alert.
2. Promotes healthy weight management
Water helps remove fat by-products, which can help improve your metabolism.
3. Flushes out toxins
Water helps flush the body of toxins through sweat and urination. This also helps prevent kidney stones and UTI's.
4. Improves complexion
Drinking water helps moisturize and soften skin, and helps to fight wrinkles
5. Maintains regularity
Drinking water helps your body digest, as water is vital to a healthy digestive system
6. Boosts immune system
Water has been directly linked to a stronger immune system
7. Prevents headaches
Water helps prevent and relieve headaches caused by dehydration.
I get headaches from not drinking enough water and they SUCK.
8. Prevents cramps and sprains
Dehydration leads to cramping. Hydrated muscles are also less prone to sprains.
9. Helps regulate body temperature
Sweat is the body's natural cooling system, to which water is a key ingredient
10. Prevents backaches
Spinal discs are made primarily of water. A lack of hydration can compromise these discs
11. Improves heart health
Water maintains the proper viscosity of blood, plasma, and fibrinogen distribution
12. Prevents bad breath
Bad breath can be a sign of dehydration. Drinking water also helps wash food and bacteria out of the mouth
13. Takes the edge off hangovers
Alcohol consumption leads to dehydration, which, in turns, leads to a hangover. For each alcoholic beverage you consume, have a glass of water (you can/should also apply this rule when consuming caffeine, juice, pop/soda, etc.)
14. Improves your mood
When your body feels good, you'll feel good mentally
TIPS ON HOW TO DRINK ENOUGH WATER
Set reminders or alarms
Set goals (for example; "by 10AM, I'll drink X amount" or "if I drink X amount, I can have a juice or a coffee)
Get a good, reusable cup or bottle
Keep a journal
If you get tired/bored of plain ol' water, try different infused waters:
Lemon, cucumber, mint
Lemon, cucumber, lime (healthy sprite?)
Berries (blue/back/straw/rasp) and basil
Strawberries, lemon, basil
Blueberries and orange
Raspberries and lemon
Grapefruit and rosemary
Apple and ginger
Pomegranate, lime, ginger
Green tea (literally just cold water with a tea bag; it's seriously delicious)
So give some of these tips and tricks and infused waters a try, and stay hydrated! Your body will thank you (by not cramping up or getting headaches and your skin will glow wow)!