Proper hydration is essential to all our body processes, including our digestion and elimination. The water we take in is distributed through our bloodstream carrying the good nutrients we need, and carrying away the toxins that result from our body processes. Maintaining our gut health requires plenty of water to make sure we break down foods properly, feed the prebiotics and probiotics in our gut and move everything along.
The first thing we need to do to be properly hydrated each day is start our day with a large glass of water, before the coffee or juice. This gets our body processes started. Next make a hydration plan for the day. A lower activity, moderate temperature day means our minimum intake may be enough (body weight in pounds divided in half gives us our minimum ounces per day). Add more based on activity, sweat and temperature.
Once we know what our need is, divide that by the container we will use, say a 20 oz. water bottle, and fill and drink that container the necessary number of times. (Example: 140 pounds / 2 = 70 ounces / 20 ounces = 3.5 containers consumed)
Having a plan for consuming our necessary ounces of water will help us get what we need. Sports drinks should be reserved for use only when we have a very strenuous output of energy and sweat that would require some electrolytes. Otherwise, for most of us, plain water is the best, with a healthy snack after our activity to replenish nutrients and electrolytes: perhaps salted nuts and fruit, or plain yogurt.
Hydrating properly each and every day keeps us healthy and reduces our risk for illness and disease. Make your hydration plan right now to start this necessary change today!
