Drink water
Drink Water. Refill. Repeat
Truth be told I have never been a big water drinker – never liked the taste (to me it has a strong metallic taste), never felt thirsty and never remembered to do it. Until 2020. This year I finally understood that drinking adequate water is actually a game-changer for my health. Now I drink 2-3 litres a day of just water and I’ve learnt to like it. Let me explain why…
The human body comprises around 60% water. Like a car running low on petrol, if we don’t drink enough water we will become dehydrated and our bodies wont function optimally.
For hydration purposes the ‘golden rule’ is we are encouraged to drink a standard 8 glasses (2L) of water per day. But as always, our water needs are ‘bio-individual’ and body size, activity levels and environment play a big role.
Drinking adequate water is like a shower for our insides and necessary for optimal health including homeostasis (maintaining our body’s stable internal environment), brain function, digestion and metabolism, joint and organ lubrication, physical performance, energy, our kidneys natural detoxing, reduces inflammation, balances blood pressure, helps prevent headaches, relieves constipation and improves our complexion, energy and feeling of wellbeing. And the list goes on.
Want some tips to stay hydrated through the day:
Get yourself a large water bottle, or two. Clear ones are best so you can see water levels. Refill when you finish.
Put reminders everywhere to remind you to drink – Post-It sticky notes stuck in your car, around your house, at work, reminders in your phone - you will see them and say a rude word about me - but you will remember to drink!
If you don’t like plain water, jazz it up with sliced cucumber, lemon, orange, berries, ginger – do whatever you need to do to flavour it up naturally. Or if you prefer herbal tea and mineral water count too!
Aim for 10 x 250ml glasses per day. Yes it’s more than the standard 8 but I like to aim high. So, as a general guide - 2 glasses first thing in morning before your breakfast, another 3 glasses by lunch, another 3 glasses by mid-afternoon. 2 glasses before 6pm. Maybe 1 glass post 6:00pm. Stop drinking most of your daily water by 6:00pm so you won’t be peeing all night.
You will pee a lot during the day and yes it is annoying - but remind yourself it’s your body functioning happily and getting rid of crap, so every pee is cleansing! It will also help move the bowels along too and should improve constipation issues.
I just chugged down 1.5 litres writing this post. Will you give it a go?
Romy Bursztyn
An Integrative Nutritionist, Health & Wellness Coach, Nutrition Educator, freestyle cook and home kitchen garden hobbyist.