Wellness Dietitian

How many times have you heard that you need to drink 8 glasses of water per day? What exactly is eight glasses? Is that perhaps a child’s glass? Or tumbler? And how does bottled water figure in?
Water makes up about 60 percent of your body. Your body needs water for every single organ and most functions. Water carries toxins out of your body and carries nutrition into your body through the bloodstream. Lack of water can lead to dehydration, not to mention impacts such as acne and weight gain.
But, the exact amount of water that your body needs is often an elusive number. It often depends on the specific reasons that you’re ingesting an increased amount of water in the first place. The figures can vary depending on weight and activity level, too.
Water and Weight Loss
Water is a part of most weight loss diets.
Water helps your metabolism because it helps your kidneys. When your kidneys are functioning at their best, your liver can concentrate solely on metabolism, meaning that your weight is better under control. How simple is that?
In addition, those who drink the requisite eight glasses know that doing so helps control hunger. In fact, thirst is often mistaken for hunger, causing dieters to overeat. Keeping yourself hydrated will aid in calorie control.
Exercise
Take a look around a gym and you’ll notice that most people realize that they need to drink water during exercise. But, hydrating yourself before and after exercise is just as important. Be aware of the heat and humidity you experience when you exercise, in addition to the amount of sweat you lose, and adjust your water intake appropriately. A standard recommendation is to consume about 2 cups of water for every pound lost during your workout.
Beauty and Skin
Well hydrated cells are perkier and more likely to bulk up saggy skin. Wrinkles will appear less noticeable in well hydrated skin. In addition, hydrated skin is less likely to experience breakouts and acne issues.
There are other beauty benefits, too. Water helps to hydrate the eyes, decreasing redness. Adequate water decreases bloating in the abdominal area, helping your middle to appear flat and sleek.
Health Issues
Of course, if your increased water intake is due to certain health issue, you’ll need to follow a healthcare provider’s directions thoroughly. Increased intake of water is indicated for many health issues, such as kidney stones and pregnancy.
What About the Rest of Us?
Consuming about two quarts of water per day is recommended for most humans. Add another 8 ounces for every extra 25 pounds if you are overweight. Other drinks do count, but you should be careful of caffeine, which is a diuretic. In addition, you may consider getting additional hydration from fruits and vegetables.
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