The 411 on Staying Hydrated

Staying hydrated probably isn’t what you think it is. I have spent the majority of my life dehydrated and didn’t even realize it. Chances are, you are dehydrated right now. Spend a week drinking enough water (here’s a hint, it’s more than 64 oz) and you will never live dehydrated again.

Feeling fatigued? Dizzy? Having trouble concentrating? Symptoms of nausea? If you answered yes to any of these, you could be one of the 75% of Americans who are dehydrated. Staying hydrated is much more important than you realize.

There are loads of reasons to stay hydrated, especially when exercising regularly for weight loss and overall good health.

Benefits of Staying Hydrated

• Helps in weight loss by suppressing appetite
• Reduces fat deposits
• Reduces fluid retention
• Allows nutrients to be transported to your cells
• Transports waste out of the body
• Protects muscles against cramping
• Ensures required electrolytes for optimal performance of muscles
• Improves muscle contractions & response time
• Prevents sagging skin
• Regulates the body’s cooling system
• Helps body perform with increased energy

How Much Water is Enough to Assure You are Staying Hydrated?

For many years we have all heard 8-12 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. That metric is for the sedentary, non-active person and minimal at best. 

How much water do you really need?

For the active person, 1/2 -2/3 your body weight in water is what you need. 

If you weigh 150 lbs, you should be drinking 75-100 ounces of water a day, about 9 1/2 – 12 1/2 cups.

Why so much more, you ask?

An average person loses 8 cups of water per hour of exercise in a mild climate. 

That same person could lose up to 16 cups per hour in a hot climate. 

4 Tips to Staying Hydrated

1. Drink 1-2 cups of water upon waking up.
2. Make sure to drink water before, during and after exercise. 
3. Drink cold water when possible. It absorbs into the body faster and burns more calories.
4. Get some type of reusable, sealable container to carry around with you. I take mine everywhere I go.

Electrolytes Tip for Hydrating Instead of Gatorade or Powerade

Have you noticed how much sugar is in the sports drinks? Doctors have advised against sports drinks for years saying they are basically sugar water. There is one good thing about them…electrolytes.

Here’s how to replenish the electrolytes in a more healthy way.

Go to your local health food store or Amazon to get Celtic Salt. Add 2 pinches of the Celtic Salt to a gallon of water to replenish electrolytes after a big sweaty workout or when dehydrated.
If you don’t already make a conscious effort to stay hydrated by drinking only water, now is the time to start. With so many benefits, there is no time to waste!