Keep A Bottle Of Water Handy To Enjoy The Many Benefits Of Hydration
If you rarely drink water throughout the day, it's time to make a change. Drinking water only on occasion puts you among the three out of four Americans who do not drink enough water. While you might be accustomed to some degree of dehydration, you might not realize that not drinking enough can lead to a variety of side effects, from bad breath to headaches and even various types of pain. Given that you probably aren't near a tap at many points throughout the day, it's a good idea to carry a bottle of water with you. You can fill it up throughout the day and constantly be sipping to stave of dehydration. Here's what you need to know about getting enough water.
Benefits Of Hydration
Keeping adequately hydrated by drinking water is about more than just avoiding thirst. Given that your body is made up primarily of water, being hydrated helps your body's functions such as digestion and circulation. Drinking enough water also helps your digestive system; you might experience constipation if you're chronically dehydrated. Water also helps your skin stay healthy. Another key benefit of staying hydrated is that it can help you with weight control. When you drink water, it can help you to feel fuller, which means you might be less tempted to reach for an unhealthy snack. Given that water doesn't contain calories, you can drink as much as you'd like with no side effects.
Your Daily Guideline
While many people suggest that eight cups of water per day is a good goal, this number is slightly short of your actual guideline. If you're a woman, you should drink a minimum of nine cups of water every day. If you're a man, the goal should be 13 cups. Keep in mind that if you're exercising vigorously or are outside in the sun and are sweating profusely, it's a good idea to further increase your intake of water to offset the water you're losing through your perspiration.
How To Drink More Water
If you drink only a glass or water — or less — per day, the idea of increasing your intake to nine or 13 cups might seem daunting. There's no reason to be intimidated, though. Drink a bottle of water when you wake up in the morning; this will help overcome the mild dehydration your body has experienced overnight. By keeping a bottle nearby, you can take steady sips throughout the day. Another tactic is to drink a bottle before mealtime; this can help you avoid overeating. Investing in bottled water, like Absolute Bottled Water Co, can also help.