by Toni Twitty
OKC Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Expert
We’ve all heard that we should drink 8 glasses of water a day, unfortunately there is no actual science to back up that adage. So how much water do you actually need a day?
Water is the main ingredient of your body composing 60% of your body weight. All of your body systems depend on water to function properly as it flushes toxins, carries nutrients, lubricates, and enables bodily process to go on efficiently. Needless to say, getting enough water is important. But how can you be sure that you are getting the water you need?
Good news: You are getting roughly 20% of your daily liquid intake from food if you eat the typical American diet. On the drinking end, for most people you should be drinking between one half ounce and one ounce of water per pound of you weight per day. For example, if you weight 200 pounds, you would need to consume at least 100 oz. of water per day, and a maximum of 200 oz. of water per day. Here’s the kicker: If you are an avid exerciser, live in a dry climate, your urine is very yellow and aromatic, you need more water. Those who live a sedentary lifestyle, live in a cooler, more humid climate and have light yellow urine are probably just fine with the half ounce per pound recommendation.
Drinking enough water can seem daunting. Here are some tips on how to build it into your day.
- Carry a reusable bottle with you; preferably one with the ounces marked on it so you know where you stand for your daily water.
- Keep a glass of water on your desk at work.
- Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning.
- Sip on water throughout the day.
- Have a small glass of water before every meal.
- Add lemon or low calorie flavoring to your water if it’s the taste you’re missing.
Toni Twitty, M.Ac. is an highly respected expert Acupuncturist located in the Oklahoma City, OK metro. She specializes in resolving pain, treating chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia and fatigue, facial rejuvenation, and fertility. www.bewellokc.com
