The Fountain of Youth: Water 101

Many historic figures have searched for the elusive Fountain of Youth. If only Ponce de Leon and others had known that the true Fountain of Youth was all around them! Today we can find it in our kitchen faucets. That's right: simple, everyday drinking water. 

The health benefits of water are huge and yet some studies show that as many as two thirds of all American don’t drink enough water. About 2/3 of our body is made up of water making water one of the most important nutrients we must get each day. However, with so many other (more interesting) beverage choices out there, many of us simply don’t drink enough water each day.

When we think of being dehydrated we think of crawling through the desert or feeling light headed, but many of us go through the day dehydrated and don’t realize it. Water supports our body’s most basic functions and when you’re dehydrated, your body can’t function properly. Some of the effects of mild dehydration are lack of energy, hunger, inability to focus, and headaches. If you become more dehydrated or are dehydrated on a regular basis, you put yourself as risk for more serious health problems.

Okay, so we know that water is really good for us, but what can we do to drink more water? There are many theories regarding how much water a person should drink each day and it’s important that you find the right amount that your body needs to function properly. Here are some tips for drinking more water each day.

• Buy a re-usable water bottle – This is one of the best methods to increase the amount of water you drink each day (and save a little money too!). You can usually find a good bottle for under $15. It will quickly pay for itself in the money you save not buying bottles of water or other drinks on the go. You will also yourself drinking more water just because it’s readily available. Also, this is the “green” way to go. You can find bottles in a variety of styles--pick one that suites you, and keep it on hand always!

• Limit your drink selection at home – This one is simple! If you don’t have a fridge filled with soda, juice, and beer, you will be more likely to drink water. Again, this not only helps you drink more water, but will save you money was well.

• Keep track of how much water you are drinking – For years I thought I drank enough water because I had no idea how much I was actually drinking. Many of the good re-usable bottles have the ounces that they hold market on the bottle itself. This is a great way to see exactly how much water you are drinking. (Need to know how much water you should be drinking? Try this great tool!)

Water is so important to your body's health, and to maintaining a healthy weight! Because people don't drink enough water, most of our water intake comes from the food we eat. Unfortunately because of this, we think that we are hungry when in fact our bodies need water. Next time, before you eat a huge meal, try drinking a glass of water and waiting 20 minutes. If you're still hungry, eat, but you'll be surprised how often "hunger" is quenched by a glass of water!