age is really just a number

Hydration is key to looking younger!

Living in Texas, especially in the summer, it can be a challenge to stay hydrated. The debate is always how much water is enough?

We know that being even mildly dehydrated can cause all kinds of health issues including fatigue, headaches, low blood pressure, increase heart rate, irritability, and decreased concentration. Wow! That’s quite an effect!

Being adequately hydrated has lots of positive effects as well. The list is virtually endless and includes increased metabolism, weight loss, decreased constipation and GI issues, decreased kidney stones, less acne, and better, younger-looking skin. I’m in!

The debate seems to center around amounts, so a good rule of thumb is either to use the 8×8 rule: eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day OR half your body weight in ounces a day. So basically 64 ounces a day is a good baseline for hydrations and should be increased when sweating profusely from exercise or the weather.

Throughout the day you should be carrying a water bottle and sipping as you can. Best times to hydrate are first thing in the morning (see my blog on having a great day every day) and about a half-hour before meals to decrease your appetite and help with weight goals. Cold water will increase your metabolism by up to 25% or so because your body has to expend calories to warm up the water to body temperature.

Of course, plain water is best, but there are other ways to gain hydration. You can add a little lemon or lime juice to flavor if plain just isn’t doig it for you. Any caffeinated drink cannot be included in your daily total since they are a mild diuretic.

You also can get a lot of water intake from food: water-rich fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are helpful. Here is a shortlist of water-rich foods that can help.

1. Lettuce (96% water)
2. Coconut water (95% water and full of electrolytes!) The best way to rehydrate after exercise and so much healthier than sports drinks.
3. Cucumber (95% water)
4. Celery (95% water)
5. Tomatoes (94% water)
6. Zucchini (94% water)
7. Watermelon (92% water)
8. Bell peppers (92% water)
9. Strawberries (91% water)
10. Skim milk (91% water)

We all know that drinking water is important and staying adequately hydrated has a number of health benefits including elevating your energy level and making you look younger. Hopefully, this information will help you stay hydrated daily! Bottoms up! Show off your water bottles gang!