Are You Drinking Enough Water?

Studies have shown that Canadians are not drinking enough water. We all know how important water is to our well-being but many are just not getting enough on a daily basis. Whether we are replacing the glass of water with another beverage, or just not finding time, this can have a negative impact on our overall health. It is important to ensure that we are consuming enough (and that our children are too) on a daily basis. If your reason for not drinking water involves the taste, contact us today; there are ways that we can help fix that for you!

60% of our body weight is water

Water is one of the most important elements that make up the human body and we have ensure that we are replenishing it regularly. The body uses water in its cells, organs, and tissues but it also helps to regulate temperature and with other bodily functions. We lose water through breathing, sweating, and the digestion process so it’s important to replace what is going out. The amount of water you may need depends on a variety of factors including your body type, activity level, the climate, and illness and health problems.

Signs of Dehydration

If we do not consume enough water, we may end up in a state of dehydration. The signs can be subtle and although mild dehydration may not pose any serious concerns, it can affect our day to day lives. Common signs of dehydration can include: increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling tired all the time, decreased urine output, headache, dry skin, and constipation. Many times when people are feeling under the weather, this can be attributed to mild dehydration.

Boost Your Water Intake

It doesn’t need to be challenging and there are some simple things that you can do on a daily basis to boost your water intake:

• Drink water instead of juice, pop, or other beverages. You don’t have to give these things up altogether but try replacing a few of them with a glass of water each day.
• Carry a water bottle with you. Whether you’re headed to the office, school, or out for a day of shopping, bring a bottle of water with you. Add ice to keep it cool and fresh longer.
• Set goals. Track your water intake and set reasonable goals for yourself. Many re-usable water bottles will show you how much you are drinking. There are also free apps that you can use to track this data.

It doesn’t have to be hard and if we all try a little harder to drink more water, we would likely feel so much better for it! What’s your favourite trick for boosting your water intake?