In this Article
Intro
1. How Much Water Should I Drink?
2. How Much Water Should I Drink to Lose Weight?
3. How Much Water Do I Need If I’m Physically Active?
4. What Are Some Signs I’m Not Drinking Enough Water?
5. Why Is Water So Important?
6. Can I Drink Too Much Water?
7. Does Coffee, Tea, or Soda Replace the Amount of Water I Need?
5. Why Is Water So Important?
I guess if you still have questions, you probably didn’t read the above! 😉 Your heart, blood, brain, kidneys, skin and overall health require it. Especially if you are trying to lose weight. You won’t get very far into a weight loss program without drinking adequate amounts.
6. Can I Drink Too Much Water?
Yes, but unless you belong to a fraternity it is highly unlikely you’ll drink a sufficient amount to die from excess consumption. A condition called “water intoxication” can occur if water in your system dilutes other nutrients to the point that they can no longer properly function. The symptoms are much like being drunk: nausea, vomiting, altered mental state, convulsion and more. Obviously, if you think you’ve drank too much, seek medical help ASAP.
7. Does Coffee, Tea, or Soda Replace the Amount of Water I Need?
“What is a diuretic?” Diuretics are substances that promote the excretion of water from your body. This is something you don’t want unless your doctor prescribes for you.
“Does coffee dehydrate you?” Yes! It is a diuretic. Avoid it. I hear you saying, “How am I going to stay awake during the day?” There are plenty of ways. For one, GET MORE SLEEP! Ha ha… Drinking more water may really do the trick for you, anyway. When I worked the night shift for five straight years, I found drinking Gatorade helped very well. This is because you may feel tired due to the lack of electrolytes in your body.
“Does tea dehydrate you?” There is no real clear consensus on this topic. And several teas, such as green tea, have many reported health benefits. It is our opinion that tea consumption in moderation does actually hydrate you.
“What about sodas?” Avoid them. Even the diet sodas. They aren’t going to kill you, but limit how many sodas you consume to one or two a week. The sweeteners used in most sodas are hard on your kidneys. Keep in mind that your kidneys are filters that need to be washed clean. Do you want to flush them out with sludge, or clean water?
By: David Simpson
