The Scoop on Water
There’s a good bit of controversy over water intake and dehydration. For a while there was an email going around claiming pretty impressive powers of water. It appears to have some research to support it, though I haven’t been able to nail down the original article.
In general, the ‘right’ amount of water per day is different for each individual. We lose water through our breath, sweat, and urine. We take in fluids through our food and drink. Generally, if ingoing fluids are equal or greater to outgoing fluids, you’re not dehydrated.
And yet, our bodies tend to flow more smoothly with a relative excess of water — digestion, excretion of wastes, connective tissue, muscles and joints. I notice that my skin is clearer and softer, my digestion easier, my joints and muscles move with less crackling and aching. So aim for 8-10 glasses of non-alcoholic fluids per day. See what that feels like for a couple of weeks. Then try drinking less and see if you notice a difference in your mental clarity, skin health, digestive regularity, hunger, general ease of movement. You’re the best judge of what feels right in your body.
