By Chestnut Square Guest Contributor Dana Christy, AOBTA, LMT, CYT
If you struggle with drinking enough water—or if you’re not sure whether your current intake is adequate—you’re certainly not alone as three out of four Americans are chronically dehydrated.
People experience thirst cues differently. A dry mouth and throat are token signs that our bodies are ready for a drink. But if you don’t regularly experience these sensations, your body may be sending out a hydration SOS in other ways.
Common symptoms of mild dehydration include headache, dizziness, brain fog, fatigue, and even mood shifts. When dehydration becomes more chronic, we may experience body aches, muscle weakness, skin issues and constipation.
Our bodies are 70% water so it’s crucial that we get enough. Water helps regulate blood pressure and body temperature. It promotes robust immune function, which helps us fight off illness. It even promotes cell and organ health, flushing out waste and aiding in the regeneration process that is critical for all systems in the body. Many medical practitioners believe that drinking water is our #1 most effective form of preventative health care.
So how do you know if you’re getting enough? While most physicians recommend 8-12 glasses a day, the “magic number” is different for everyone. The easiest way to determine your needs is to take a peek at your pee. A properly hydrated body usually produces pale yellow urine. If your urine is dark yellow, that’s a sign you probably need to increase your intake. If your urine is clear, you may consider cutting back, as too much water also isn’t ideal. Note that some medications may affect the color of your urine, so you may have to rely on more objective metrics, like aiming for those 8-12 daily glasses.
Not everyone loves the taste of water, but don’t worry: all liquids can stand in as hydration heroes! Herbal tea, soda, juice, and even coffee provide essential moisture. However, if the majority of your intake comes from non-water sources, consider aiming for a 50/50 ratio of half water and half other beverages.
Some folks need a more structured approach to hydration. It’s easy to forget to drink, especially if you’re not feeling a lot of thirst cues. Try keeping a reusable water bottle with you and aim to fill and finish it three times over the course of the day. Another easy hydration check-in is to have a glass of water when you wake up, with each meal and snack, and when you go to bed.
If you’re looking for a way to make water more exciting, try sparkling water with a splash of juice, or try adding fresh fruit such as frozen berries. It feels like a cocktail and tastes delicious!
Dana Christy is the founder of WellSpring Healing Arts, where she practices shiatsu massage and therapeutic yoga. She has worked with people of all ages and abilities, and uses her wide range of healing modalities to guide her clients towards their vision of optimal wellness.