One home treatment approach in virtually almost every health-related post on the internet is to drink enough water.
But how much water is enough? How many bottles of water should I consume each day? Is it even possible to have “enough” water? I decided to find out.
Staying hydrated may help you feel more energized, awake, and aware throughout the day, and it can assist with everything from skin health to kidney stones.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston, for example, swear by drinking a glass of water every day.
Plus, I’m not having a surgical operation or having all of my body hair laser-removed. The simplest thing I can do to seem more like a celebrity is to drink a couple of extra water bottles.
I’ve always heard that drinking water is beneficial to your health – I used to be a competitive gymnast, and I drank a lot of water at that time (it’s kind of what you do when you train out for five hours every day).
If I’m given a choice between water and something else (soda, juice, etc.), I’ll probably go with the non-water option. I know that drinking water is better for you, but let’s be honest: it’s not as tasty.
I decided to cut off all other beverages and drink only water for a week to see how realistic it is to drink the doctor-recommended amount of water (which I frequently encourage our readers to do).
This is what transpired.
How Much Water Do You Need to Drink Every Day?
According to the Mayo Clinic, depending on how healthy you are, the temperature/climate, and how often you move, you need to drink various quantities of water each day.
Drinking six to eight glasses of water or other fluids per day is the standard advice. Each day, this equates to 48 to 64 ounces of water.
You should drink eight cups of water each day since a cup contains eight fluid ounces.
Because most disposable water bottles hold 16 ounces, you should drink three to four bottles of water each day.
Drinking Water’s Advantages
Drinking water has several advantages; your body needs a certain quantity of water to function correctly.
Water comprises about 60% of your body weight, according to the Mayo Clinic. Water is required for the proper functioning of every system in your body.
Energizing muscles, managing calories, moisturizing your skin, aiding your kidneys, and maintaining regular bowel function are just a few of the advantages of drinking enough water, according to WebMD.
Preparation
I purchased a 1-liter (32-ounce) water bottle in preparation for my water experiment.
I knew I wanted to write some messages on my water bottle to motivate me to keep going, and I figured the best way to do so would be to create a timeline.
I knew I’d have to drink two full bottles of water each day because the water bottle was around 32 ounces, and I intended to drink 64 ounces each day.
On the water bottle, I scribbled times, as shown above.
I’d start with a whole bottle of water at 7 a.m.
I’d finish the first bottle and refill by 3 p.m.
I’d finish the segregation by 11 p.m.
The first day – Drank nothing but water
I won’t lie: I was apprehensive about this attempt.
I usually drink some water during the day, but a week of solely drinking bottles of water? It sounded challenging.
I’ve also never been a big fan of drinking a lot of water. My father used to get upset at me for placing half-finished beverages in the fridge while I was in high school, but I could never finish them all at once!
On day one, I was pretty sure I’d have to push myself to drink water most of the time — and I wasn’t off to a good start.
I woke up and reached for the water bottle at 7 a.m., just like I planned. The water felt colder than I expected as I took the first sip. It wasn’t like sipping on a cozy cup of tea, that’s for sure.
By 11 a.m., I had made my way through half of the first bottle. I felt a little bloated, to be honest. It felt like my stomach was adjusting to this sudden influx of water.
Lunchtime came around, and I had to remind myself to reach for the water bottle instead of my usual soda. The water seemed to fill me up more than a sugary drink would, but the craving for something sweeter lingered.
As the day went on, I found myself checking the time on my water bottle timeline more frequently. It was a mental game now – drink enough water to meet the goals I set for each hour.
By the time I finished the first bottle and moved on to the second one, I was feeling more accustomed to the routine. The water no longer felt as cold, and I had managed to find a rhythm.
Days 2-3
The following days were a mix of easier and harder moments. On the second and third days, I found myself reaching for the water bottle almost automatically, while on others, I had to remind myself constantly.
One noticeable change was my bathroom visits. I was going to the restroom more frequently than before, which I took as a sign that my body was flushing out toxins. It was a bit inconvenient, but I was determined to see this experiment through.
As the days went by, I noticed that I started to feel more energized in the mornings. Getting out of bed became slightly less of a struggle, and I didn’t feel the need to rely on a strong cup of coffee to jumpstart my day.
Days 4-5
On the fourth and fifth days, I found that my body was adjusting even more to the increased water intake. My skin, which had often felt dry before, seemed to have a healthier glow. It was like a natural moisturizer from within.
However, the challenge was real. There were moments when I craved the fizzy satisfaction of a soda, especially during meals. But each time I reached for the water bottle instead, I reminded myself of the benefits I was reaping.
By now, checking the time on my water bottle timeline had become a habit. It was no longer a conscious effort; it was simply a part of my day.
Days 6-7 – Drank Nothing but Water
On the sixth and last days, I realized that I had come a long way from that first apprehensive morning. Drinking water had become second nature, and I no longer felt the bloating I experienced in the beginning.
My experiment was coming to an end, and I couldn’t deny that I felt a sense of accomplishment. While I missed the variety of flavors that other beverages offered, I couldn’t ignore the positive changes I had witnessed.
My skin was clearer, my mornings were more pleasant, and I had conquered a personal challenge. These seven days had shown me the potential of a simple habit switch.
Conclusion
Embarking on a week-long journey of drinking only water wasn’t easy, especially for someone who wasn’t fond of consuming large amounts of water daily. But through the initial challenges and adjustments, I learned the importance of consistent hydration and the impact it can have on overall well-being.
While I don’t plan to stick to just water forever, I do intend to incorporate more water into my daily routine. This experiment served as a reminder that simple changes can lead to noticeable improvements. So, the next time you’re debating between that soda and a glass of water, remember the benefits and give hydration a chance – your body might just thank you for it in surprising ways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Drinking Water and Hydration
How much water should I drink each day?
The general recommendation is to drink about 8 cups (64 ounces) of water per day. However, individual water needs can vary based on factors like age, activity level, and climate. A good rule of thumb is to listen to your body’s thirst cues and aim to stay adequately hydrated throughout the day.
Can I substitute other beverages for water?
While water is the best choice for staying hydrated, other beverages like herbal tea, unsweetened fruit-infused water, and low-sugar electrolyte drinks can contribute to your fluid intake. However, be mindful of sugary drinks like sodas and excessive amounts of caffeinated beverages, as they can lead to dehydration.
What are the benefits of staying hydrated?
Staying hydrated has numerous benefits for your body. It helps regulate body temperature, supports digestion, cushions joints, and maintains healthy skin. Proper hydration also aids in cognitive function, energy levels, and can prevent headaches caused by dehydration.
How do I know if I’m dehydrated?
Common signs of dehydration include dark yellow urine, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and reduced urine output. Thirst is also a clear indicator that your body needs more fluids. It’s essential to pay attention to these signals and increase your water intake if you experience any of these symptoms.
Can you drink too much water?
While it’s essential to stay hydrated, excessive water intake can lead to a condition called water intoxication or hyponatremia. This occurs when the balance of electrolytes in your body is disrupted due to consuming too much water in a short period. It’s relatively rare and more common among endurance athletes or individuals with certain medical conditions. Listening to your body’s thirst cues and drinking water in moderation is key.
Remember that individual hydration needs can vary, so it’s important to find a balance that works for you. If you have specific health concerns or questions about hydration, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional.
Copyright article: DreamHumanity
