Should you follow the “eight glasses of water a day” rule? It depends!
I am passionate about water and its importance to health. It is the first thing I drink in the morning and the first aspect of our wellness journey at Sansara that we work to optimize. Here’s why: water makes up about 55%-60% of the body (slightly more for males and less for females) and is a vital nutrient to every cell. It also supports many of the body’s functions, including regulating body temperature by sweating and respiration, transporting nutrients in the bloodstream, promoting efficient waste elimination, and preventing the build-up of toxins in the body.
According to experts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 43 percent of adults drink less than four cups of water per day and 7 percent of American adults drink no water at all. Not drinking sufficient amounts of water can lead to dehydration. Some of the most common signs and symptoms that can occur with dehydration include dark urine, feeling thirsty, bad breath, muscle cramps, fatigue, headache, dry skin, low blood pressure, decreased sweat production and elevated cravings for sweet/sugary foods. Surprisingly, the headaches and fatigue that many people (including kids) experience can be alleviated by carrying and sipping from a water bottle throughout the day. Sufficient water intake can also improve your health in ways you wouldn’t expect such as enhancing your skin health and elevating your mood. Most people would be amazed at the increased quality of life that can be attained simply by staying hydrated.
But just how much water should you consume a day? Recommendation can vary according to sex, exposure to extreme temperatures, the water content of one’s diet, or participation in strenuous physical activity. It is best to think about water consumption in terms of a range depending on these variables (your “mileage may vary”), but in general, an adult male needs about 100 oz. a day and an adult female about 75 oz. What’s important is to make water intake a priority in your daily routine and not wait until you’re thirsty, when you might risk dehydration.. And drinking water doesn’t have to be boring! Fun ways to consume water could be adding berries or sliced citrus fruit to your BPA-free water bottle. Just keep a water bottle by your side and see how much better you feel!