Staying hydrated is essential to your ongoing health. The average adult is 60% water, it brings nutrients to your cells and removes waste products. In short, water allows your body to function properly.
You need to drink water. But, it’s even more important to understand how to achieve the right balance of water. It will be beneficial to your health.
- Drink 2 Liters A Day
This is one of the most common myths you’ll hear. The problem is that every person is different. While one person can be healthy on 2 liters, others may need more, or even less.
The actual amount of water you should consume depends on your weight, activity level, and even your temperature.
A simple test is to look at your urine, specifically on days you don’t exercise. It should be pale-colored. Dark urine is a sign of dehydration, you’ll need to drink more.
Of course, when you’re exercising you’ll need to drink more to replenish fluids you’ve lost.
- All Water Is Equal
It’s a common belief that water is water. However, this is unfortunately not true. The water that comes from the treatment plant is tested before it leaves the plant. However, it can still pick up contaminants between the plant and your home. These contaminants can affect the rate of water absorption or even cause your body problems.
For example, chlorine is added to kill bacteria but it can also have a detrimental effect on your health. As bottled water can just be tap water the safest and best option is to invest in water filters. These will ensure you have clean water that actually benefits your health.
- Avoid Sodium To Stay Healthy
Excessive levels of sodium (salt) in your blood can indeed increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and even calcium loss from your bones! But, that doesn’t mean you should avoid sodium altogether.
It’s an electrolyte and serves an important purpose in your blood. Your body loses sodium when you sweat or urinate. It needs to be replaced as your body cannot produce sodium itself. Although it can be hard to establish the right level of sodium, it is an important part of staying hydrated and healthy.
- Being Slightly Dehydrated Is Okay
Many people forget to drink enough and may even believe its better to be under-hydrated than over. However, even slight dehydration can cause negative effects physically and mentally. Instead of your cells swimming happily in liquid, they will be trying to move in a soup. The lack of water slows them down and makes all your natural processes harder.
That places extra strain on your organs and causes fatigue, as well as potentially more serious issues.
- Food Doesn’t Count
Surprisingly this myth continues to circulate. Science has already confirmed that most of the foods you eat have water in them. The water in food helps you to stay hydrated in the same way as drinking water. It doesn’t matter how the liquid gets into your body, as long as you’re absorbing it.
In fact, a healthy diet can contribute as much as 20% of your daily water intake needs.