inner engine fitness

building a better body

Hydration: Keep it up!

Are you properly hydrated?  As we are made of 60% water, we need water for all processes in our body, including sweating, breathing, and detoxifying, not to mention keeping your energy up.  Most people need anywhere from 8 to 10 8-ounce glasses of this wonderful beverage a day.  This amount can include other beverages, such as coffee and juice; however, limiting caffeine and sugary drinks helps you to keep your calories low (happy waistline!) and your hydration higher (happy body!).  Daily totals are also affected by your level of exercise, so the more active you are, (and I hope you are very active!), the more water you will need to drink.

Trying to decide whether you are hydrated can be a little challenging, so the easiest way to determine if you are drinking enough fluid is to check your urine.  If you notice a dark color or if it smells strongly, then you could be dehydrated.  Ideally, you want to have a light-colored urine with very little odor.

Hydration affects all aspects of your body processes, so achieving a healthy system is dependent upon how much water you drink.  Detoxification is an important process that requires water, and if you are dehydrated, your body has a harder time getting rid of waste.  This build-up of toxins can be a contributing factor to many issues in your body, including bladder and kidney infections.

It can definitely be a challenge to take in enough liquids throughout the day, so try these small changes to increase your hydration level painlessly:

  1. First thing in the morning, (after you pee!), drink a full glass of water before you drink anything else.
  2. Choose a sealed container, preferably 16-20 ounces or more, to fill with water and carry around with you during the day.  If you are at the computer for an extended period of time, try a sealed cup with a straw that doesn’t spill.  Straws tend to make people drink more!
  3. Enjoy many fresh fruits and vegetables, as these are filled with water and count toward water intake.
  4. When you sit down to eat, make sure to have at least a full glass of water.
  5. Add lemon, lime or cucumber to your plain water to increase your desire to drink up!
  6. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages increase your urge to pee, so drink in moderation, as excess urinating dehydrates the body more quickly.  In addition, have a glass of water handy when you choose these beverages.

Give it your all to include these tips in your daily routine to create a happier, healthier, more hydrated you.   Help your body by raising your water glass to your health right now!

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