More Water Please

By Lisa D. Ellis

Wouldn’t you love an inexpensive miracle solution that could give you younger, smoother skin and shiny, healthy hair? Then look no further than your kitchen faucet. Water is one of the most effective, and accessible, beauty secrets out there and it not only helps you look great, but it also enables the rest of your body to function at its best.

Different Factors Exist

If you want to reap all of water’s beauty and health benefits, you may wonder how much you will need to drink on a daily basis. The experts say the amount you need all depends on a variety of factors, including:

Your age

Health status

Activity level

Climate

Amount of time outdoors

What else you eat and drink throughout the day

Further, if you are pregnant, nursing or a serious athlete, your water needs will probably be higher than some of your counterparts.

Something to Aim For

With so many variables that exist, the amount of water you need can change from person to person and even from day to day. But to give you some perspective, it can help to know that the Institute of Medicine recommends that women aim to drink 9 8-ounce cups a day.

If the thought of drinking this amount makes you worry you will end up floating away, you’ll be glad to know that drinking other liquids like milk, juices, coffee and tea, soda and even alcoholic drinks can count toward your daily goal and you probably already incorporate many of these regularly into your week now anyway. You can also count foods with high water content, including fruits, vegetables, dairy and even lean proteins.

Listen to Your Body

Better yet, you don’t necessarily have to physically count each drink to know you are getting enough fluids. Your body can also give you important clues regarding your intake. For instance, when you are well hydrated, you shouldn’t feel thirsty. In addition, when your body has the right amount of liquid, your urine should also be colorless or pale yellow. On the flip side, when you need to drink more, you could feel particularly weak and tired, which can be signs that you are getting dehydrated.

When you are unsure you are getting enough or need more guidance tailored for your specific circumstances, you should always talk to your doctor or check with a dietitian for personalized recommendations. Then drink up and enjoy all of the health and beauty benefits.