You’ve probably heard that you should be drinking plenty of water throughout the day. In fact, you may have heard the recommendation of eight cups a day. The amount of water you should consume depends on several factors, including your body weight and how much you work out. If you’re still unsure, ask your doctor for a recommendation.
Most of us know we should drink water to stay hydrated, but too many Americans don’t prioritize it. Even so, drinking enough water isn’t something that should be discounted. Water is incredibly important for our overall health. And it’s even more important as you get older.
One thing to keep in mind is that you may not always feel thirsty. That’s especially true with older adults because their thirst drive often decreases with age. Therefore, you need to be mindful about how much water consuming, especially if you’re over the age of 65.
Water is important for every bodily function. Your mouth needs it to make saliva, your body uses it to regulate your temperature, it helps keep your joints lubricated, promotes healthy digestion, can assist with weight loss, and even keeps your mind working at its best. If you want to live a long and healthy life, water should be an essential part of the plan.
If you’re a person who isn’t crazy about reaching for water when you’re thirsty, or you struggle to remind yourself to drink because you just don’t feel thirsty, we’d like to provide some tips to help. If your struggle is remembering to drink water, you could get a bottle that measures the amount on the side. Fill up your water bottle at the beginning of the day and make it a goal to finish it by evening. You can even set a reminder on your calendar, phone or watch, or ask a friend or family member to help you stay accountable. If your struggle is that you don’t enjoy the taste of water, dilute it with some fruit juice or a slice of lemon, lime, or cucumber Another way to increase your water intake is to make homemade ice pops.
Commit to prioritizing your hydration. Find out how much is recommended for you and then work toward meeting that goal daily. You can do this!