Though our bodies can go a long time without food, weeks, or months even (I’ve proved this), without water we wouldn’t last more than three days…
Essential to survive, but also to thrive.
Drinking enough water is one of the most important things we can do our health. It focuses the mind, cleanses the body and clears the skin. It’s also responsible for regulating our body temperature, the elimination of waste, and the transport of nutrients around the body.
But despite its importance, most of us are chronically dehydrated. With headaches, uneven, dry, dull, or lifeless skin, dry lips, stiff or aching joints, constipation or digestive upset – all signs our bodies are insufficiently hydrated.
Typically we’re told to have 8 glasses a day, (approximately 1.9 litres) which, with the formula I’m about to show you reveals is well below what we need.
So how much water should you drink a day?
It depends. It depends on your weight, whether you exercise, what food you eat, what season it is, and if you drink highly caffeinated, alcoholic or sugary drinks.
But the basic formula is:
(based on your weight/base rate of elimination)
1 litre per 22.5kgs of body weight
your weight / 22.5 = your daily water intake
For example if you were 55kg, it’d be 55kg/22.5kg = 2.4L per day. Meaning, if I only had 8 glasses a day I’d be drinking half a litre less, per day than what I need, as a MINIMUM!
Even though I know exactly how much water I should have, I sometimes struggle to get my minimum. If that’s you too, here’s what I do…
Tips to hydrate.
1. Eat seasonal fresh food
In summer, we need more water because our bodies are busy regulating our temperature, we let out more water both through our skin and our breath. Naturally in summer fresh high-water-content foods grow and are in season. The more we eat of these, the more hydrated we’ll be.
In winter, generally speaking, we require less water. We sweat less and there’s a tendency to do less (hibernate, if you will…), so we tend towards denser foods to keep us warm. This is when it’s typically harder to drink the minimum, and you’ll need the following tips.
2. Drink 500ml of water when hungry
Most hunger pangs are actually hydration pangs – our bodies thirst for water. Hydrate first, eat after. Simple. But it’s also likely that you’ll no longer need to eat and you’ll avoid excess consumption.
3. Drink 1L of water first thing when you wake up
Woah! I know this seems like a lot, but after a while it gets easy. And it’s likely less than half your daily intake, probably only a third for some, but at least it’s out of the way before you start your day!
This is particularly amazing for those who get brain fog. It clears the mind and helps you regain sharp focus. When your tummy is empty the water goes straight to hydrate the brain.
4. Put lemon juice in your water for flavour
Sometimes it’s a taste issue, I get it. When it gets boring, I’ll mix it up with some fresh lemon juice (the juice of 1 lemon/litre of water).
5. Add a pinch of pink salt
Not absorbing? Or still feeling dehydrated? Please don’t drown your cells! When we have too much water and not enough salt, it does the opposite of what we want.
Though we’re programmed to think all salt is bad, salt such as himalayan pink salt, or celtic sea salt contain minerals that are essential for hydrating the body.
Just don’t use table salt…
Use a pinch of good quality salt per litre of water to keep a balance of water inside and outside the cells, and maintain your electrolyte balance.
When we drink enough water and stay hydrated, we look younger, brighter, feel lighter, eat less, absorb more nutrients, have greater clarity of mind, and WAY more energy.
And it’s simple!
If you liked this post share it with someone who you know might need it. And if you’re keen to try one of these tips, or have some of your own, please let me know in the comments below!
With love,
xx Jess