Staying hydrated is important for a number of reasons. Hydration assists with digestion, mental clarity, removal of byproducts from metabolism, improving body composition, recovery, and overall health.
How much water should you drink per day?
Is drinking out of plastic water bottles really that bad for your health?
What about electrolytes?
Our general recommendation for water is to drink ½ of your bodyweight in fl. oz. each day. Shoot for an extra 500ml or more on days that you workout or are out in the sun. For those exercising for hours in the sun, electrolytes are an excellent idea for staying hydrated.
If you are an athlete, it is critical for you to take hydration seriously. Research shows that at just 1% dehydration, performance decreases by up to 10-12%.
If you are someone that experiences digestive issues, be careful drinking massively large amounts of water at one time. As this can cause inefficient digestion due to diluted gastric acids and enzymes. We often see issues with people experiencing IBS, GERD, Colitis, Crohn’s, and other digestive disorders. If you experience any of these issues, consider removing liquids from meal times or at least minimize the amount of fluids consumed with meals. As always, consult with your healthcare professional.
Lifestyle hacks:
Buy a yeti tumbler or another non plastic cup that you can continuously fill up throughout the day.
Don’t try to be a hero overnight. Meaning, if you assess your 7 day water intake and you’re drinking 16 fl. oz. per day, then don’t expect to start drinking 100 fl. oz. the very next day. Increase gradually!
If you are someone who drinks a lot of coffee or alcohol, you will need to incorporate even more water into your day in order to stay hydrated. Try starting off the day with at least 16 oz. of water before having your cup of joe.