Most people are aware that drinking water is an important piece to living a healthy lifestyle. But how much water should you actually drink? We’re going to go over how much water to drink and tips for how to reach that goal.
The basic guidelines are dependent on weight, athletic activity, and climate.
Climate
Since we live in Florida, we know that it is hot and humid most of the time. With this climate, we can expect to need to drink more water year round than our friends up north. This is especially true if you spend a majority of your time outside working, gardening, exercising, etc..
Athletic activity
When you exercise, your body uses sweat as a natural cooling system. The more you sweat, the more you need to replenish with water (and electrolytes!).
Weight
This one takes some math. As a general rule, take your body weight (in pounds) and divide it by 2. That is how many ounces of water you should be drinking per day (not including the extra when you’re sweating).
Example: 150lbs/2 = 75oz of water (2.2 liters), 200lbs/2 = 100oz of water (~3 liters)
SOME BENEFITS OF DRINKING WATER
- Regulates your body temperature
- Lubricates your joints
- Helps your body flush out waste
- Boosts energy
- Hydrates skin
- Increases cognition and brain function
- Improves muscle function
- Improves mood
- Increases metabolism
TIPS FOR DRINKING MORE WATER
- Drink water first thing in the morning. When you wake up, before you eat breakfast or drink coffee/tea, have a glass of water. This will give you a head start to your daily water intake.
- Add fruit to your water. If the flavor (or lack thereof) of plain water is difficult for you to drink, cutting up fruit and putting it in your water can add some refreshing flavor. Some tasty additions are lemon, orange, raspberries, and strawberries.
- Have a designated water cup/bottle and carry it with you. Having your designated water cup or bottle around you all day will be great reminders to drink your water. There are even bottles with fun sayings and time-lines on them to get you to drink your water!
- Add a straw! This may be my favorite tip and what helps me drink my water the most. Having a cup with a straw (and a handle) helps me mindlessly drink water. Think about when you go to a restaurant. You are more likely to drink more water when there is a straw versus when you have to lift the glass up each time.
SOME GOOD CUP / BOTTLES
This 32oz water bottle is great because it has times and sayings to keep you going. There are many color options AND it has a straw!
Click here to get the bottle!
There’s a reason that the Stanley cup is so popular! It comes in a wide range of colors, and comes in 14oz, 20oz, 30oz, 40oz, and 64oz. It keeps water cold for a LONG time and has a convenient straw and handle. It also fits great in car cup holders!
Click here to get the cup!
The Owala water bottle is becoming VERY popular. It comes in a variety of fun colors and comes in 16oz, 24oz, 32oz, and 40oz. It has a leak-proof lid as well as an option for swig or sip.
Click here to get the bottle!
Drinking an adequate amount of water will help you decrease pain, increase energy, and live an overall healthier life. Find a favorite cup or bottle and set a water goal!
If you have any questions on how much water you should drink, do not hesitate to contact us. Or ask Dr. Olivia at your next appointment!
