A woman in gym clothing prepares for the day and fills up her reusable water bottle before heading to the gym.
Getting enough water in your system every day is important for your health. Drinking water can prevent dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking, result in mood change, cause your body to overheat, and lead to constipation and kidney stones.
Water has no calories, so it can also help with managing body weight and reducing calorie intake when substituted for drinks with calories, such as sweet tea or sodas.
Water helps your body maintain a normal temperature, lubricate and cushion joints, protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues, and get rid of waste through urination, perspiration and bowel movements.
Everyone should consume water every day to improve health. Although many recommend drinking eight ounces of water every day, some doctors have recommended a half ounce for each pound you weigh as a great every day recommendation.
Daily total water intake (fluid) is defined as the amount of water consumed from foods, plain drinking water and other beverages. Most of your fluid needs are met through the water and other beverages you drink.
You can get some fluids through the foods that you eat – especially foods with high water content, such as many fruits and vegetables. However, actually drinking water is a better way of getting fluids into your body.
To help you drink more water, consider these tips: Carry a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day. Freeze some freezer-safe water bottles and take one with you for ice-cold water all day long.
Choose water over sugary drinks and opt for water when eating out (you’ll save money and calories). Serve water during meals. Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water to improve the taste and make sure your kids are getting enough water too.
Water is the best choice to maintain hydration. Be sure to drink before, during and after activity. Even when you don’t feel thirsty, keep drinking water. Avoid soda, fruit juices, flavored waters, and any drinks that contain high concentrations of sugar to aid in weight loss.
Clean, healthy, filtered water is the best water to stay hydrated. Faucet mount filters and pitcher filtered water are a much better option than chlorinated tap water, but Reverse Osmosis Water is the best filtered water you can put in your body to stay hydrated.
For more information on how you can safeguard your home’s water supply, visit the Water Quality Association at wqa.org, or call a local water treatment professional.
Chris Lane is the owner of Culligan Water Conditioning of the Lowcountry, serving Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties. culliganhhi.com
