Why should you track your water intake?
Firstly, our clients’ experience shows that without tracking they tend to forget to drink water.
Secondly, if asked, they don’t really know how much water they drink during the day and this makes it hard to do any changes.
In short: tracking your water intake helps you to stay hydrated and gives you hard numbers that help you to make adjustments, if needed.
How much water should you drink?
The golden rule is to drink 2 liters / 6.7 oz / 10 glasses of water per day.
How much more water should you drink when taking fiber supplements?
When you increase your fiber intake, you should increase your daily amount of water by 0.5 l / 16.9 oz, or 2.5 glasses.
Why is it important to drink enough water?
Approximately 60% of your body is made of water and if you want to feel good, you need constant hydration.
For example, staying hydrated helps you to:
- avoid constipation;
- digest food more efficiently;
- avoid unnecessary snacking;
- get rid of wastes through urination, sweating and pooping;
- boost your energy levels and mood;
- create enough saliva that fights the bad bacteria in your mouth;
- maximize physical activity and effort.
What are the signs of dehydration?
It’s important to know the signs of dehydration, because only then you can notice them early enough.
First signs are:
- thirst;
- not urinating enough (normal is 6–8 times a day);
- dark yellow urine.
Depending on the dehydration level, other signs are:
- loss of appetite, but maybe craving sugar;
- dry mouth or a dry cough;
- headache and confusion;
- tiredness (fatigue);
- dizziness, weakness, light-headedness;
- high heart rate but low blood pressure;
- red skin, swollen feet, muscle cramps.
What’s the difference between water and other liquids?
You are surrounded by tea, coffee, juices, syrups, different soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. They all contain a significant amount of water, but this isn’t the same as drinking pure water or mineral water.
Why?
These different liquids contain tanning agents, dehydrating agents and toxins (alcohol is a neurotoxin) that remove fluid from the body, instead of hydrating you. Therefore, always choose pure water or mineral water as your first choice of drink and you’ll keep yourself hydrated.