Water

There are 6 Nutrients that are essential for human health.  They are:

• Carbohydrates
• Protein
• Fat
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Water

I will touch base on these nutrients in upcoming blogs, but I want to focus on water first!

When I see clients on a one on one consultation, one of the first questions I ask is “how much water do you drink?”

Their answers vary:

“Not enough”

“None”

“Does the water in my sweet ice tea count?”

Before we dive into the benefits of water, let’s review some signs of dehydration:

• Headaches
• Hunger
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Rapid heart rate
• Muscle cramps
• Dry mouth
• Kidney stones
• Dark urine

Why is water so important?

Adult bodies are made up of 60 percent water. It lubricates the joints, it delivers oxygen to the body (to my running friends, this can give u an edge in your race), it hydrates the skin, regulates body temperature, it keeps us regular, it aids in transportation of vitamins and minerals, it can increase the metabolism and aid in weight loss. Water can increase our energy.

Do you reach for caffeine in the afternoon for a pick me up?

Choose water instead and you will feel the benefits of increased energy.

What counts as water?

Plain water is best! You can flavor it naturally with lemons, limes, berries, cucumbers, etc.

A decaffeinated, low calorie beverage can count as water, but limit how much you drink of these.

We can get water from certain foods: lettuce, cucumbers, watermelon, strawberries, pineapple, carrots, celery. The more fruits and vegetables you consume, the more hydrated you will become through your food.

How much water do you need?

There is no scientific evidence on a set amount.

The easiest way to tell if you are hydrated is to drink water until your urine is pale yellow or clear. And once you get to that point, keep it that way.

So drink up! Your energy levels will improve, your skin will look brighter and your organs will thank you!