05/14/2015
Fending off a funky mood, kinks in your concentration, or just feeling frazzled and out of focus? Water may be the simple solution!
Scientifically speaking - Researchers have found that mild dehydration is a mood killer. According to studies conducted by University of Connecticut and Tufts University researchers, a water loss of just one to two percent made test subjects more tense and anxious. Those same studies have also found that people who are de-hydrated suffer from lack of focus. Some subjects who didn’t drink enough water suffered from confusion and memory difficulties.
When enough is enough - The rule of thumb is to drink one-half your body weight in ounces per day, minimum. True, if you consume large amounts of fresh, raw vegetables and fruit, that will fulfill some of your water intake requirements. However, that is not most of us! One gallon =128 ounces or 16-8oz glasses of water. It's quite likely you are not drinking close to that much, and quite likely we are all walking around dealing with the uncomfortable symptoms of (see above, and think now of your kids) dehydration! It's a very good thing the fix is so simple.
S'bucked - Everyday beverages like coffee, black tea and alcohol all are diuretic, causing water to be removed from your system rather than adding it. Who would have thought that double espresso at 4 PM is really a double negative for your hydration!?
Flight Plan - If your day calls for air travel, best estimates are to add 8-10 oz. of filtered water for every hour of travel time. Experienced travellers forego alcohol in the air, and add extra glasses of water both the day before and the day after travel to counter the dehydrating effects of flying. Humidity truth – desert-dry cabins hover at 10-20% humidity as compared to 65-100% humidity on the ground (so do moisturize your skin early and often, also).
But when and how? Avoid water intake during meals, as it will dilute precious digestive stomach acids. Instead, drink around your meals. Measure out a quart of water to drink during your morning routine. Fill 2 quart-sized bottles for during the work day. In the evening, sip a final cup or three of water as hot tea, with calming flavors like after-dinner mint, chamomile, or lavender for relaxation. See how choosing hydration effectively can help you unwind, create a less hectic lifestyle for you and yours, and feel better 💗
