Guest Author - Vivian Nelson Melle
I know, I know, water is one of the healthiest things you can put in your body. I just cannot drink the eight glasses I am suppose to drink every day. It is good for my health, my beauty, my mind, my everything. I simply forget or chose another drink without thinking about it. Here is a plan to help get your daily dose of H2O.
Herbal Teas Count
So long as the herbal tea does not contain caffeine, you can count it toward your daily water intake. Some teas actually work double duty to really help clean your system and strengthen your kidneys. Think about adding some dandelion greens. They are bitter, but if you add them with peppermint leaves, the taste is tempered with the strong mint. Another good herb to add is Raspberry leaves. They are known for toning and cleansing the female reproductive system. And whose uterus doesn't need a little up keep?
Count it Out
Measure your daily requirement and place it in a container in the fridge. The daily average is suppose to be eight 8-ounce glasses which equals 64 fluid ounces. However, new research is suggesting that it should equate to your weight in a simple formula. Simply, take your weight and divide it in half and that is the amount, in ounces, to drink. That makes a lot of sense and at least it's not another medical one-size-fits all. Finally I get more of something because I weigh more.
Coffee and Soda Shouldn't Count
I know some research suggests that soda and coffee count toward your daily dose, but check out who funded the research. Look at the ingredients in your average soda or electrolyte drink and see how it compares to plain old water. Water has no sugar, no caffeine, no sweeteners, no additives, no dyes, no flavoring and no sodium. It's obvious that it is going to be better for you, but sometimes our desires have us believe shady research.
Fruits and Veggies Can Help Out
In the summer, nothing tastes better than ice cold watermelon. And, nothing will send you to the bathroom more than eating a lot of watermelon. Certain fruits and veggies have a very high water content that can help keep you hydrated. Melons, especially watermelon, cucumbers, carrots, zucchini, tomatoes and grapes. Basically think of those veggies and fruits that delightfully drip when you take a bite.
Now that you are revved up and ready to drink lots of water take a look at the benefits. After a day or two of good hydration, you will definitely start to see results. Skin will become more supple and less prone to drying out. While not visible, your kidneys and liver will work less to clean out your system. Your body will be able to regulate its temperature better. You may think more clearly and even retain more information. For those taking psychotropic medications, some of the side effects from use can be lessened or even eliminated with water consumption. There is just no reason to not drink to your health with a tall glass of water.
There's no excuse not to drink when you have fresh clean water available.
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