Carol Moehrle
Water Facts:
I'd like to share some fun facts about water and how it can help us with our wellness goals.
Most of us know how important water is for our bodies, but sometimes a little reminder helps us get back on the water wagon.
Did you know?
- 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated.
- 37 percent of North Americans have suppressed their thirst mechanism and misinterpret it for hunger. If you think you are hungry, drink a big glass of water.
- Even mild dehydration can slow down your metabolic rate by as much as 3 percent.
- The number one trigger of daytime fatigue is lack of water. Yikes! Drink up when you hit that afternoon wall.
- A mere 2 percent drop in body water can negatively affect short-term memory and the ability to concentrate.
So why should we drink more water?
Water helps us stay slimmer
- Water revs up our metabolism and helps us feel full.
- Replace calorie-laden beverages with water, and drink a glass before meals.
- Drink ice water. Our bodies must work to warm the water up, burning a few extra calories in the process.
Water boosts our energy
- If you're feeling drained and depleted, get a pick-me-up with water. Dehydration makes us feel tired.
- Water helps the blood transport oxygen and other essential nutrients to our cells.
- If we're getting enough water, our heart doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood throughout our body.
Water helps us lower our stress
- 85 percent of our brain tissue is water. If you're dehydrated, both your body and your mind will be stressed.
- By the time you feel thirsty, you are already a little dehydrated.
So fill up that glass, throw in a slice of fruit or a veggie for flavor, or mix one of these combinations:
- Cucumber, pear, and mint
- Strawberry and basil
- Lemon, raspberry, and mint
- Lemon and lime
Set a goal of drinking eight glasses a day. CHEERS to the next bottle of H2O!
b-Resilient
Source: WEBMD