Water is one of the most important nutrients that we consume on a daily basis. It has many roles in the body, such as DNA maintenance, facilitating chemical reactions, maintenance of blood integrity, regulation of body temperature, & providing the base for all of our bodily fluids (lymphatic, synovial, GI, etc.).  For this reason, it is incredibly important that you regularly consume enough water. One of the biggest questions surrounding hydration is “how much should I really be drinking in a day?” 

It is a well-established fact that proper hydration is important to one’s health, but the amount of water required throughout the day tends to vary depending on whom you talk to. It is estimated that you lose anywhere from 8-12 cups of water daily through breathing, sweating, & other excretory processes. I personally try to consume roughly half of my bodyweight in ounces of water each day. So weighing around 225 lbs., I aim for somewhere around 110-125 oz./day. Factors such as vigorous exercise, warmer temperatures, higher altitude, & caffeine/alcohol intake will result in a need for more water throughout the day. 

Shawn Stevenson, the host of one of my favorite podcasts (The Model Health Show – check it out) recommends drinking 16-30 oz. of water IMMEDIATELY upon waking up.  Doing so will: (1) rehydrate your cells after a night’s sleep and (2) kick start your body’s thermogenic pathways to boost metabolic function. 

Tips for Proper Hydration:

• Drink a large glass of water IMMEDIATELY upon waking for the day
• Carry a reusable water bottle with you everywhere you go
• Track your daily intake – I use my FitBit to do this
• Pace yourself to reach ½ of your recommended consumption by midday

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