Water, my BFF.

Water is our life source. Without it the average human being would not survive longer than 3 or 4 days. When we are born water makes up 80% of our body weight, 70% of an adults weight. a healthy person can drink up to 48 cups of water a day. Notice I say cups not glasses. Fact is most people use glasses much bigger than 1 cup, therefore people could theoretically drink more water than they think. The recommended daily intake of water is 8 cups, but keep in mind there is water drawn from most food sources as well.

Water is the source of all bodily functions. It acts as a lubricant, base for saliva, forms fluid around joints, regulates body temperature, prevents constipation, regulates metabolism, and prevents many types of digestive cancers simply by helping to eliminate waste and detox the body. Mild dehydration is the most common cause of midday fatigue. Apparently 75% of adult Americans suffer from mild dehydration. Are you kidding me? Come on people this is a first world continent, give me a break.

Many people have issues getting water down the hatch. The lack of taste doesn't do much for our pampered taste buds. Here, I propose a few new ideas to helping you get your water.

1) Cut up fresh fruit and add it to your water bottles. You can do anything you like! I often cut up watermelon, strawberries, slices of lemon and lime, cucumbers (incredibly refreshing), kiwi, pineapple, you name it! Nothing fancy, just slice it so the juices can escape and shove them in your water bottles.

2) Trick yourself. If one large bottle of water sitting in front of you all day is intimidating then do single glasses. I use a pint glass. It holds 3 cups of liquid and I only have to drink 2.5 of then to meet my daily requirement. Mind over matter.

3) If you MUST use flavoured mixes, please try to find natural options. I will sooner than later post about the evils of sweeteners, but for now something like Tetley Infusions is a half decent place to start. You can always water it down. I find one pack nicely flavours (on the lighter side) a full 3 cup pint of water.

Drinking water. Life's first step to optimal health.