Water Archives - Balance8Life

November 4, 2020November 23, 2020

5 Health Benefits of Drinking Water

Health benefits of drinking water is probably one of the most overlooked healthy habits of all times.

Drinking water is not complicated, because everybody drinks something. The habit starts from an early age. And if you’re making the change now, it’s simply this: when you drink anything, make it one drink. Water. Always.

What we drink effects our health more than most people realize.

Drinking water isn’t only for hydration purposes. It’s also to keep us healthy and functioning at peak performance.

“Water transports all the foodstuffs to the cells, and the operations within the cells occur in a watery medium. Substances in the body have to be maintained in the solution, and secretions and wastes must be carried out of the cells by water. Water regulates the body temperature, adjusting to the water losses and the changes in the surroundings. Four quarts of water are constantly circulating in the body as part of the blood.” Agatha M. Thrash, M.D. Preventive Medicine.

Health benefits of drinking water start at childhood.

I was raised drinking water.

It was such a habit, that the idea of drinking anything besides water was mind boggling to me as a child.

I saw other kids drinking soda or juice mostly. I preferred water, (still do).

We are all adults now, and guess what? I still drink water, and they still drink soda, juice and other beverages that aren’t water.

What we do as kids, we do as adults.

So keep this in mind, parents, when you’re baby is coming off the bottle and transitioning to other drinks and foods. Introduce water.

Think about what you grew up drinking, and think about your taste preferences now. Does it correlate?

1. Water helps maximize physical performance.

If you are an athlete, dancer, singer, or any sort of performer or work an intensely laborious job, you need water for peak performance.

Weight training, running, or anything that requires some sort of physical performance, water is your ticket.

Water makes up a greater percentage of body mass than any other substance, including muscle, which is about 80% water. Water also helps fill the spaces inside our cells, outside our cells, and in all our major vessels.

With so much of our body being made up of water, it is important to keep it replenished, even when you don’t feel thirsty, in order to keep your body working at its best.

2. Water keeps things moving.

Constipation is a sign of not having enough water to drink.

Stopping health issues before they begin is always a much better choice because it is a lot less painful. Often times, literally.

Things are a lot more dramatic for kids, and when mine were small, I cured a lot of their little aches and pains with water. Still do.

Headache? You must not have had enough water. Can’t go to the bathroom? Drink water. Your eyes are dry? Got cramps? Tummy ache? Getting sick? Let’s start with water.

Most of the times when my kids came to me with these minor issues, it was not because they hadn’t had a cup of water in the past 30 minuets. It was because they forgot their water for the majority of the day. Sometimes even now, they’ll complain about minor aches and pains and I ask, “did you get enough water?” and they usually grin sheepishly and find a plethora of excuses as to why they hadn’t had any water that day.

3. Health benefits of drinking water and weight loss.

I am not saying that all you have to do is drink a glass of water and watch pounds fall off.

But . . .

Let’s just do a little fun calculation.

Let’s go with the “typical” known amount of water one should drink in a day to stay hydrated and healthy. (8, 8oz glasses a day.) And let’s change this up with what most people drink instead of water, in a day, and see what we come up with in calories consumed daily.

8, 80z cups of liquid other than water:

One 8oz cup of tea = 2 calories. An 8oz cup of coffee = 1 calorie. A partial can, (8oz) of soda = 150 calories. Orange juice (breakfast perhaps?) 39 calories in just eight ounces.

And, maybe a glass of milk? Add that to your smoothie and you’re just looking at 103 calories without counting all the stuff you put in your smoothie. Now, head off to the gym and drink a large bottle of, let’s say, Gatorade, and you’ve added 50 calories with just 8oz, and nobody drinks just eight ounces of Gatorade during exercise. (At least, not typically).

I haven’t even reached “8 cups” here, and we’re at 345 calories in your drinks for the day.

If you drink the entire bottle of Gatorade, add cream to your coffee, milk to your tea, include what you added to your smoothie, add Champagne to your orange juice and drink a glass or two of wine at night, you easily consume 1,000 calories in a single day’s worth of drinks.

Drink water and watch your waist shrink without even changing the rest of your diet, your exercise program or anything else. This one single change can jump start your weight loss simply by eliminating 600-1,000+ calories per day.

4. Water helps keep you from getting stoned.

Kidney stones, that is.

“. . . kidney and bladder stones . . . is one of the most common diseases of the urinary system. It currently accounts for approximately one hospitalization in every thousand in the United States.” Agatha M. Thrash, M.D. Preventive Medicine.

Dr. Agatha M. Thrash, M.D. Preventive Medicine.

In her write up about Kidney stone prevention, her number one recommendation was to drink water.

She says that, “Water drinking is not only the safest, but also the best treatment for urinary stones. It should be thought of first as it is imperative that the urine not become concentrated, encouraging stone formation. Patients who are stone formers should drink enough water to produce two to three quarts of urine daily. One quart of water should be taken during the night to maintain good urine flow at all times.”

5. Brain alertness and energy

Health benefits of drinking water even effect your brain’s clarity!

Don’t forget to think before you drink.

Or . . . No, better drink before you think!

Our brains are about 75% water. In order to think fast, be creative, focus and have clarity of thought, your brain needs to be well hydrated.

In order for our brains to function properly, toxic waste has to be removed. This happens with water. Water helps deliver nutrients to the brain that assists in the toxic removal.

Once this happens, our brains will be more alert, and concentration will be much easier.

A little bit of water can go a long way for your brain. It can go so far as to clear away the fog, energize you in the afternoon, ease strong emotions, (depression, anger, stress, etc.) and can also help to keep headaches to a minimum.

If you’re wondering, how much water should I drink? Or, if you struggle to drink water because it just doesn’t taste good, here are 5 Ways to Yummy-Up Your Water!

Cheers to drinking your water!

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July 3, 2019November 4, 2020

Five Ways to Yummy-Up Your Water

This post is for my water drinking peeps that don’t drink water. Or, don’t like to drink water. Or… maybe talk about it and intend to and try to but just can’t get over the fact that it’s not tasty and yummy and fizzy… and just can’t stick to it, but know they should.

This is also for you peeps that are on the ball, drink your 96oz of water pretty regularly, but don’t exactly like how it tastes. You’re drinking water to live; you’re not living to drink water.

Water. Is. A. Must. Always. Every. Day. But it just isn’t the most popular drink in the world, nor is it the most exciting.

Sooo…. We’re going to change that right now.

Here are 5 different ways to have fun with water, change up the flavor, the fizz and even the sweetness, without compromising your health.

#1. SODA WATER

If you’re missing the fizz or tang of soda, soda water is a great alternative. Added lemon or lime and a scoop or two of stevia powder extract, and you’ve got yourself a sweet, flavorful and fizzy, yet still healthy glass of water.

Soda water is water infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure, which is why it has bubbles. There have been several studies done on sparkling water and our health. Questions like: how does it affect dental health, bone health, pH levels in our body, etc. But nothing super significant has really come up that makes me feel like I should stay away from it any more than regular, plain ol’ water.

#2. LEMONade WATER

My son absolutely loves making his own “homemade lemonade” he calls it. He started this when he was 7. He pours about ¼ cup of lemon juice into a mason jar and adds several shakes of stevia powder to it. (I don’t know his measurement exactly, it’s his secret) 😉 He then fills the rest of the jar with water and ice and will sit and down an entire quart jar within an hour.

WHAT IS STEVIA? Stevia is an herb native to South America. The leaves of this plant are a natural source of noncaloric sweetener. It is calorie free and 100% safe for diabetics and people who want the sweet without using sugar and without any of the side effect that come with artificial sweeteners.

Stevia extract is a sweetener that I always keep in the house. If you’ve never used it, you have to get used to the idea that less is more with this stuff. 1/8^thof a teaspoon of stevia powder equals 1 teaspoon of sugar in sweetness. 4 Tablespoons is equal to 2 cups of sugar. So you can see how little you really need. And it lasts forever! Just be careful when buying it in the stores. The packets usually still contain other sweeteners in addition to stevia. I highly recommend Trader Joe’s brand Stevia Extract because it is pure with zero added ingredients.

#3 CUCUMBER WATER

When I lived in the country, I grew cucumbers and had an abundance of them. So I started using them for things you’d never think of.

You wouldn’t think a cucumber would make water taste so great, but trust me! My kids love it. It’s refreshing, gives it a light, crisp flavor and the green adds a fun, pretty bit of excitement to boring ol’ water.

Directions:

Wash and slice a cucumber, add it to a large pitcher and fill the pitcher with ice before adding water. (The ice kind of keeps the cucumbers from floating to the top and helps them infuse the water with flavor a little more than when they just sit at the top). Let the pitcher sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes to a few hours, and add more ice to a glass, pour up and… ahhhh so good.

I don’t recommend leaving it in the fridge for more than a day, the cucumbers start to disintegrate and the flavor becomes too bitter.

#4 HERBAL TEA

Most herbal teas are safe for regular consumption, but some herbs have toxic or allergenic properties, so just be sure you read up on what you’re buying.

My favorites are peppermint and chamomile tea. I also like red tea (rooibos). My kids like the Celestial brand fruit tea sampler. All of these are great just as they are, but if you prefer it sweet, again, add some stevia.

Black tea doesn’t count as “herbal tea” here. I would stay away from black teas and other caffeinated drinks altogether as much as possible. In an article, “How Not To Get Cancer And What To Do If You Do Get It” written by Doctor Agatha M. Thrash, M.D., Preventive Medicine and founder of Uchee Pines Natural Health Lifestyle Institute, she says, “Never use soft drinks, coffees, or teas . . . May use herb teas.” I tend to believe her so I (mostly) stick to this rule.

#5 FRUIT INFUSED WATER

I honestly have to admit that, besides lime and lemon, I’m not a huge fan of putting fruit in my water. I have seen several pretty fruit infused water “recipes” on Pinterest, though. If you must add flavor to your water to be able to drink it, fruit is 110% better than any artificial flavor pack loaded with chemicals and words you can’t pronounce along with artificial sweeteners and colors that were created in some lab.

Enjoy! Experiment, search on Pinterest, and explore your options. If you find something you love, please share with me! You can comment below, or, if you want to follow me on social media, come on over! I am on Facebook, Instagram, E-mail, Twitter, Pinterest and balance8life.

June 5, 2019November 2, 2020

How to Drink 96oz of Water a Day

Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t know how to drink water. I know. That sounds like a crazy concept!

Water is essential to our health for several reasons. Water cleans what we can’t clean in the shower or at the sink. The inside of our bodies need it just as much as the outside.

I was at the gym one day (actually, this has happened many days) and not long after I walked in, it smelled like body odor. Major BO. I mean, I get it, it’s the gym. People are working out, sweating, and getting their pump on, and everybody is going to smell a little funky. But I’m talking about the extra. I assume those of you who hit the gym regularly have experienced a similar scenario. You’re thinking, is it so hard to shower first and put on a little deodorant? Maybe think about the fact that other people have to… be around you?

This is going to sound absolutely ridiculous but imagine if these particular types of individuals used something other than water and soap to bathe in, like, for example, soda or tea. I know, I know, this is a crazy thought. But… would they smell any better? Would they be cleaner? Absolutely not.

Water is what we drink to wash the inside of our bodies.

We need water to help balance our body fluids, regulate body temperature, and increases brain power. Water provides energy, promotes healthy weight management, helps us smell and look good, scares away headaches, prevents kidney stones, staves off cramping, and so much more! If we don’t drink water, our bodies can’t function properly. If we think it’s crazy to wash our bodies in soda and coffee, (giggle) then why isn’t it equally as insane to “wash” the inside of our bodies with anything but water?

Doctor Agatha M. Thrash, M.D. of Preventive Medicine says that, “Water is the best liquid possible to cleanse the tissues both internally and externally.” She also says that, “four quarts of water are constantly circulating in the body as part of the blood.”

As you can see, water is vital on a daily basis. If we aren’t drinking water, and plenty of it, we’re going to have problems. And as a side note, what we put in our bodies actually does effect how we smell on the outside, too.

But how do you actually go about drinking enough water in one day? One 16oz bottle of water is not a problem, but 4-6 of those? (How much water is enough? Click here to find out!)

Here are a few things that have worked for me. I’d also love to hear more ideas from you! (Comment below and tell me your tricks!)

1. Set out six 16oz bottles of water at the beginning of your day

This makes measuring a no brainer and takes the guesswork out of it.

2. Drink more in the morning

Knock back 2 bottles of water while you’re milling about in the morning. This takes a good chunk off of what you’ve got to manage throughout your day.

3. Set a timer

Set a timer if you’re not used to drinking water and not usually thirsty, this will help remind you to pick up the bottle!

4. Use a 32oz water bottle

I like this because I know I only need to drink 3 in my day. I also like this because I don’t have to buy water and I can refill it and throw it in the dishwasher. My favorite is the 32 oz Nalgene water bottle because they are tough (I drop it often) and they don’t have a weird plastic smell.

5. Exercise

When I workout, I drink more because I am sweating. It’s easy to down an entire 32oz water bottle in an hour of working out. Don’t feed your body with anything but water while working out. Water is the best and only hydrating fluid your body needs while exercising.

6. Have it handy

Always have water in the car, at your desk, in your hand. When it’s there, you’ll be more likely to drink it.

7. Make it fashionable

If you’re one of those that like fashion, cute, pretty or exciting bottles, buy one. Make it fun!

I would enjoy hearing how you get your water in! Leave me a comment and give me some tips! I am on Facebook, Instagram, E-mail, Twitter, Pinterest and balance8life.

April 16, 2019November 4, 2020

How Much Water Should I Drink?

I am sure you’ve asked the question, “how much water should I drink?” And I assume you’ve probably received the same basic answer, you should drink eight 8oz glasses of water a day.

But, a grown man of 250 pounds needs more than a woman that is 100 pounds. Never mind the weight, men need more than women, and adults need more water than children.

Your activity level, weight goals, gender, age, and the climate you live in, all effect how much water your body needs to stay hydrated.

There are so many variables to figuring out the answer to the question, “how much water should I drink?”!

Some doctors say six to eight 8oz. cups of water a day is enough, others say up to twelve 8oz cups of water a day.

It is also advised that men drink about 13 cups of water a day, and 1-2 1/2 more if you’re working hard and sweating a lot.

Women are advised to drink about 9 cups a day and also add 1-2 1/2 cups if you’re exercising, or doing something that makes you sweat more than usual.

CELLULAR DEHYDRATION

My chiropractor has a body fat percentage scale that uses bioelectrical impedance. In my pursuit of reaching my ultimate body fat goals, I would jump on it periodically to measure my body fat. It seemed that no matter how much I exercised, I was consistently at a much higher body fat percentage than I thought I should be.

Just to give you some perspective, I am a 5’ tall, 100lb female who eats a (mostly) vegan diet and exercises at least 5-6 days a week.

I thought my body fat percentage would be around 12-18%, because that’s what I feel like I look like I should be. But I was so frustrated. My body fat percentage was sitting at 24%.

I asked my chiropractor why my body fat percentage always read so high. I assumed his machine was broken.

He explained to me that the bioelectrical scale gauges the amount of lean mass, water, and fat in your body by sending a current from the metal plates under your feet through your body.

He said that at the cellular level, I was probably dehydrated, which will throw the accuracy of my body fat numbers off.

I quickly countered with, “but I drink eight, 8oz cups of water a day! That isn’t possible!” (This is 64 ounces of total water).

He chuckled and told me that ideally, I should be drinking a minimum of 12, 8oz cups of water a day, (96 ounces).

Of course, he said this also depends on the amount of exercise I am doing, as well as other factors that play in, (as I mentioned above).

He said that if I am drinking water regularly, it’s probably cellular dehydration that is throwing me off.

Sigh.

So I went and bought myself a 32oz Nalgene water bottle. (My new best friend, I’ll have you know).

I was determined to get my ninety-six ounces of water in a day by drinking 3 of those bottles of water a day.

This is not easy, but it is possible. I am here to testify that it can be done.

What most people think is enough water, really isn’t enough.

When I am training clients, my number one piece of advice is always, drink your water. I usually get a reply like, “I’m doing so good! I drank two 16oz bottles of water yesterday!”

My proverbial flower petals just wilted and I smile weakly, but encouragingly nonetheless, and say, “good job! Lets make that 3 tomorrow!”

Many simple health problems can be reversed with an adequate, daily intake of water.

When you drink 8-12 cups of water a day, your risk of kidney stones and UTI’s go down significantly. So do troublesome things such as, digestive problems and weight gain. When you stay hydrated, you’re also less likely to feel tired and low in energy.

More water throughout your day also helps with bad breath, poor sleep, dry splotchy skin, lackluster hair, sore muscles, muscle cramps, and prolonged sickness, (i.e. flu and cold).

All of those pesky things can be less troublesome simply by drinking plenty of water. Preferably 92oz a day (I suggest this for man or woman. It’s a safe starting place).

If you’re not sure, always ask your doctor what he/she advises for your daily water recommendations.

Eight to 12 8oz cups of water a day won’t hurt you. This is a great starting point. I find that I feel better when I get twelve (12) 8oz cups per day.

In the blogs to come, I show you how to drink 96oz of water in a day.

I also talk about how to make water taste good. I personally love how refreshing water tastes. However, I have met some people who cannot stand the taste of plain water. So for those of you who hate the taste, this is for you.

How much water do you drink in a day? How do you make it happen? You can comment below, and, if you want to follow me on social media, come on over! I am on Facebook, Instagram, E-mail, Twitter, Pinterest and balance8life.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclaimer for more info.