When you think about taking control of your health, does increasing water intake come to mind? For most people it does not. The importance of staying hydrated is a component of health that just doesn’t get enough love! While it’s true that desert vegetation like cacti, succulents, shrubs, and wildflowers can survive and thrive with little to no water, the same is not true of the cells, tissues, and organs of the human body. We need water to survive and thrive. But don’t take my word for it. I’ve consulted with health and fitness professionals both near and far to get their take on this often neglected nutrient.
To start, Donna Criscenzo, MD, Medical Director at VNA Community Healthcare & Hospice shares, “Besides the fact that every weight loss plan I’ve ever studied includes lots of water as a main ingredient, I find that 6+ glasses per day just makes me feel better! And, so much ‘hunger’ is really ‘thirst’.”
Paul Heeron, DC, of Heeron Family Chiropractic, Guilford offers this food for thought: “Think about what happens to your plants if you don’t take the time to water them properly. They will shrivel up and die. The same is true of our cells. Simply speaking, we need water to live.”
To stress the importance of getting enough water, Tania Gustafson, Nutritionist, Fitness Professional, and owner of FIT NUTRITION, Kelowna, British Columbia, always gives her clients the following advice: “Water, water, water! All of our organs and bodily systems need water to function and if we are a quart low, things are not going to be working very well.” Caring for the body is much like caring for our car, as Tania illustrates in this analogy. “Our car drives us around town, and our body drives us through life. We always keep the fluids topped off in our car, gas, oil, transmission fluid; because we know if we don’t, eventually the car isn’t going to run very well and will break down. It will be hard on the vehicle and cost a lot of money to repair. The same is true of the body, if we don’t keep it hydrated and lubricated and keep things flushing and flowing, it’s going to break down.”
Struggling with getting enough water in? Fitness Professional and fellow Nutrition Coach, Joni Bennett of Raymond Washington reminds clients that drinking enough water helps to flush out toxins. “We may not like to think of it that way but we are full of toxins that need to be released. So the possibility of added trips to the bathroom is actually a good thing. You are releasing toxins.” On a personal note, Joni finds that grabbing for some ice cold water rather than coffee and caffeinated beverages helps to restore energy. “Always carry water with you. Get a favorite cup or water bottle and take it with you everywhere you go!” Joni says.
Nutritionist Dawn Mertzer McGee, owner of Nutrition Evangelist, Boston, MA. cautions against summertime dehydration as well as confusing thirst for hunger. “As we go into the summer season people often underestimate even more so, how much water is needed. Increased outdoor activities, heat, humidity and sweating cause us to lose water that needs to be replenished.” If you don’t like the taste of plain water, Dawn recommends enhancing the flavor without it being sugary by adding herbs and fruit infusion. Her second tip brings up the common mistake of confusing thirst with hunger. “Sometimes when you feel hungry, you’re actually thirsty. Have a sip or two of water and always have a water bottle with you so instead of mindlessly grabbing for food, you are sure to be staying well hydrated.”
When it comes to hydration and exercise, Stephanie Sharp Ward, Nutritionist, and owner of three gyms, Train.Strong.Fit, based in Mechanicsville, VA. has this to say: “Drinking enough water is critical before, during, and after exercise. During an hour of exercise it is possible to lose more than ¼ of the body’s water through sweat. Dehydration can lead to muscle fatigue and loss of coordination. An inadequate supply of water can lead to lack of energy and muscle cramps. Lean muscle tissue contains more than 75% water so being short on water, muscles and the body in general can be more easily fatigued. Being hydrated really helps!”
So there you have it; water does a body good. Treat yours well and provide it with an internal environment that will contribute to better health. Be an oasis!
I am grateful to have the support of the wonderful health and fitness professionals who contributed to this topic! They are the tribe who help me keep my health in check. We collaborate regularly and cheer each other on. The support of a community is another important component to health so make sure you have someone who can do the same for you.
