If you think about it, water is simple, universal, and quite symbolic. It is so ordinary, in fact, that most of us hardly even think about it. We take for granted the water that rests gently in its glass, comes down from the sky as rain, or even that which glides through the rivers and streams.
When we glimpse inside the human body, we see that nearly all of our systems depend on it, and water then becomes extraordinary. It keeps the body balanced by transferring nutrients to all our cells, thus supporting digestion and helping regulate body temperature. Therefore, water really is the liquid of all life! And in spite of its significance, many people are walking through their experience not getting enough, and often don’t even realize it.
Why Water is Essential
You might have heard that we are about 60% water. Our physical structure counts on it to function correctly. That is why adequate hydration is fundamental. It is literally the difference between being a fresh plump grape or a shrivelled, dried-up raisin.
Water cushions our joints and supports healthy circulation. Water keeps minerals and oxygen flowing and running smoothly inside our bodies. It also aids the process of flushing out toxins and waste product.
Our bodies are constantly losing water through breathing, bodily functions, and sweating. We have to replenish this loss regularly. It is sad to think that so many of us do not hydrate as well as we should. Even someone slightly dehydrated will be affected by this. They might experience headaches or struggle with their energy levels, focus, and overall vitality. Severe dehydration will actually put your health and life at risk. It’s that important! I once heard that to just feel thirsty means your body is already in the first phase of dehydration.
As a society, we don’t prioritize drinking enough good quality, clean water as a non-negotiable. Yet, we are taught how dangerous dehydration is to young children, but not encouraged to push water and enough of it right from the start. It seems there is more support for juice drinks and milk, but not the appropriate amounts of water.
The truth is that our bodies need moisture inside and out. It is what keeps us soft, supple, and aging gracefully. If we made drinking enough water a consistent habit, we would be giving ourselves a wonderful gift that could lead to a healthier and longer life.
The Power of Water
For correct organ function, there must be sufficient hydration. For general system roles, cellular tasks, proper elimination, and effective detoxification… There must be adequate hydration.
Why is this so hard for so many of us?
Honestly, I believe a lot of people just simply forget to drink water throughout their day. We are a very quick-moving and busy culture. Water is plain, it’s unexciting, and it becomes just another thing we have to do. So, if you aren’t in the habit of drinking plenty of clean water each and every day… Realizing the importance of sufficient hydration is an easy yet extremely powerful step one can take to begin an intentional path towards new habits and better health.
10 Reasons An Increase In Your Water Intake May Help You, Right Now!
- Water helps everything, even your stress.
- Water optimizes your overall nutritional absorption.
- Water assimilates and balances fluids in your body.
- Water moves energy and decongests.
- Water lowers acidity in your body.
- Water raises the alkalinity in your body.
- Water saturates and hydrates all the cells and tissues of your body.
- Water releases, dilutes, and flushes out toxins and waste.
- Water promotes skin elasticity, plumpness, and glow.
- Water balances metabolism and helps to regulate weight.
Did you know:
Your brain is about 75% water? This could be why being dehydrated can affect concentration and clear thinking so very much.
People often mix up thirst for hunger cues. This can lead to nonessential eating when the body is really just needing water.
Many fruits and vegetables actually increase hydration because they contain substantial water content.
How Much Water Do We Need?
Every one of us needs water, full stop. Just how much each of us needs depends on our personal weight. But here is a good rule of thumb you can follow. Try getting in at least half your weight in ounces. So if you weigh 110 pounds, shoot for at least 55 ounces of *good quality water per day. Increase this if you are ill, flushing toxins, detoxing, or intensely exercising.
*Good quality water means filtered water, period. There are many contaminants, from chemicals to pathogens and even pharmaceuticals, in anything but filtered water. There are many filtration systems to choose from. While I won’t be recommending one in particular… I will say, do your own research and due diligence. Consider a product with good reviews and customer satisfaction. Read the reviews and compare. Know what you want to filter out. Confirm any systems you consider specifically state that’s addressed. Read about the filters they use and how easy or expensive they are to replace. Finally, make sure their science and documentation are third-party tested so you can trust that there is no bias.
Bottled water is something to think about as well. First, you don’t really know where it is from. Second, the plastic bottle itself could also pose a problem. This is of concern when heated in the sun and during travel. The chemicals that are in the plastic leach into your water and contaminate it and you when you drink it.
7 Simple Ways to Stay Hydrated Naturally
- Drink a nice full glass of water when you wake in the morning.
- Consistent sips of water are more effective than gulping or chugging it. Our bodies can absorb about 4 ounces of water at any one time. After that, you just urinate the excess out.
- Take a drink of water at every transition or attach the habit to an already established one.
- Drink your water more at room temperature rather than very cold or iced. Our bodies can’t really utilize water until it is body temperature. Your body uses a lot of energy warming the water before absorption. That could be saved by just drinking less chilled water.
- Try to avoid plastic, reusable water bottles, or aluminum vessels. Instead, opt for a glass or stainless steel reusable vessel.
- Consider a simple basic filter system, then use a quality spigot filter or countertop system. Your dishes, laundry, and body through showering will get less exposure, and your drinking water is optimized for cooking and feeding your pets as well.
- Easily enhance your water for a little more pep. Try squeezing in fresh lemon, lime, or orange. Or, add in a little fresh fruit like cucumber, strawberry slices, pineapple, or kiwi…
As a Holistic Health Practitioner, I am always on the lookout for “heavy hitters”. You know, those things that can really move the needle and have the potential to make a noticeable difference in someone’s health. Sometimes the simplest remedies are the most powerful—beginning with something as humble and life-giving as a glass of water.
Photo by Engin Akyurt from Pexels
- About the Author
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Cece James BS, HHP, CAWK, Clinical EFT Certified Practitioner , Certified Toxicity & Detox Specialist
Cece James is the founder of the Institute for Healing and Holistic Living. She has been in the field of health and wellness for almost 3 decades. She is passionate about her mission to bring healing strategies to others and create a loving culture of self-care.
Cece supports individuals and families facing chronic illness or other health challenges as well as empowers those who are interested in learning to navigate the terrain of whole foods, holistic lifestyle, supplements and the use of various natural remedies.
She truly believes that everyone has what they need to heal inside them right now. Through experience and conversation, she explores the various ways in which a holistic lifestyle can enrich and integrate into any current view of health and thus optimize ones true balance and vitality.
