Ophelia Gherman, M.D.
“Drink more water!”
We have heard this statement before, but how does drinking water even help us anyway? And how can we implement drinking water into our day-to-day routines?
Foremost, it’s important to realize that health is wholeness of all the systems of the body: the muscular system, skeletal system, nervous system, endocrine system, circulatory system, and the digestive system all need care. So in order to prosper with fitness and vigor into old age, we have to evaluate how our habits are strengthening or weakening each of these systems.
The digestive system is of special importance due to its ability to feed life-giving nutrients or leach poisonous materials, and cleansing this system is vital! Water helps to do just that.
Water is also required to cushion and lubricate your joints, help your brain function, regulate your internal organs, cleanse body tissues, regulate your body temperature, and remove waste through urination, bowel movements, and perspiration.
To incorporate more life giving and body-cleansing water into our lives is simple.
Try a few of these steps this week:
—Drink 12–16 ounces of water as soon as you wake up. (Approximately 2 cups).
—Set a glass next to your bed, your toothbrush, or wherever you go first thing in the morning, so you have a visual reminder.
—Fill up several thermos or water bottles and strategically place them in the areas where you spend most of your time: at your desk, and around your house so that as you walk from room to room, or settle in your work place, you always have a good source of water no matter how busy your day gets.
—Infuse your water. If you do not enjoy the taste of water, or just want to spice up your drink, try adding slices of lemons, oranges, cucumbers, kiwis, grapes, or herbal tea bags to your thermos or water bottles the night before. The flavors will delight the palate, and before you know it you’ll be craving more.
—As you are getting your lunch or dinner ready, fill up a tall, refreshing glass of water. You can drink it warm or cool as you prepare your meal.
—Hungry? Drink a glass of water or warm unsweetened herbal tea. This works well in between meals. It helps cut cravings and calories and aids in weight loss.
—Use your smartphone: there are some water tracking applications, like Daily Water, that can help keep your hydration on track and will send you reminders to your mobile device to help you stay on top of your water intake.
—How much water should you be drinking? The general rule of thumb is to take your weight in lbs. Cut that in half, and drink that many fluid ounces of water a day. Example: 150lb ÷ 2 = 75. So you would drink 75 fluid ounces a day. (Roughly 9 cups)
Set a challenge today and see how your health and skin improve in just a few weeks! You’ll look and feel refreshed in no time. Hydrate your way to health!