As sunny summer arrives and daily temperatures begin to rise, a focus on healthy hydration becomes even more essential. Ever feel like you might not be drinking enough water throughout your workday? If so, you are probably right!
The website, MindyBodyGreen writes, “The adult body is, on average, made up of 60 to 70 percent water. Fueling up with H2O throughout the day is essential, but life gets in the way, and one study found that 43 percent of adults drink less than four cups per day sipping on coffee instead or forgoing liquids altogether.”
The study they are referencing was conducted by the Center on Disease Control and took data from a nationally representative sample of 3,397 US adults. In it, the CDC concluded, “Our results suggest that low drinking water intake is common and is associated with known unhealthful behaviors.”
So how much water do you actually need? The answer to that question varies, depending on your age, gender, diet, exertion levels, possible medical conditions, and any medications taken.
Kelly Kennedy, writing for Everyday Health reports that, “According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the average woman needs about 2.7 liters of water per day, while the average man needs about 3.7. (About 80 percent of that hydration should come from beverages, whereas the remaining 20 percent can come from food).”
Mild dehydration is prevalent, and if not corrected, can often turn into more severe dehydration during hot weather. The body uses water in numerous ways. Here are just a few reasons listed by Healthline, for why healthy hydration is so vital to your wellbeing:
• It regulates your body temperature.
• It protects your tissues, spinal cord, and joints.
• It helps create saliva.
• It helps keep skin bright.
• It helps maximize physical performance.
• It aids in digestion.
• It helps with nutrient absorption.
• It helps excrete waste.
• It helps you lose weight.
• It improves blood oxygen circulation.
• It helps fight off illness.
• It helps boost energy.
• It aids in cognitive function.
• It helps improve mood.
Want to jazz up your drinking water this summer? Head to CCFL’s Healthy Recipe Box on Box for some simple and satiating infused water “recipes” free of empty calories, unhealthy sugars or chemical additives.
Making infused water with fruit, veggies, and herbs can be enjoyable for the whole family, and provide fun artistic and creative expression while satisfying thirst.
Drinking sufficient life-giving water has been shown to keep both body and mind happier. Thankfully one of the countless perks of working at CCFL is plenty of clean, cold, Culligan water at the office. This is a wonderful example of CCFL’s overall commitment to a healthy workplace and wellness culture.
So let’s fill up those water bottles. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and well-hydrated summer!
Further Reading: Did you know that drinking more water can reduce cravings? Check out this great article, “11 Ways to Stop Cravings for Unhealthy Foods and Sugar.” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-ways-to-stop-food-cravings
Find out more about using water to combat cravings in June’s 2019 TopHealth Wellness Newsletter: https://nebraska.edu/docs/benefits/newsletters/June2019TopHealth.pdf .
Works Cited:
1. “6 Reasons To Refill Your Water Bottle Right Now (Besides Staying Hydrated).” MindBodyGreen. 25 Oct. 2017. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/6-unknown-benefits-of-drinking-water.
2. Goodman, Alyson B, et al. “Behaviors and Attitudes Associated With Low Drinking Water Intake Among US Adults, Food Attitudes and Behaviors Survey, 2007.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 25 April 2013. https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2013/12_0248.htm.
3. Kennedy, Kelly. “The Ultimate Diet Plan for a Happier, Less-Stressed You: How Stress Affects Your Diet, the Best and Worst Foods to Eat When You're Frazzled, and More.” Everyday Health. 1 May 2019. https://www.everydayhealth.com/wellness/united-states-of-stress/ultimate-diet-guide-stress-management.
4. Butler, Natalie. “Why Is Water Important? 16 Reasons to Drink Up.” Healthline. 19 March 2019. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/why-is-water-important.
Disclaimer: These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Always check with your doctor before making lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition.