Reach for Water
On a hot, humid day, nothing feels more refreshing than a cold beverage. We all need to stay properly hydrated to keep our bodies in balance and replenish the water that is lost via sweat, breath, urine, and bowel movements. It’s easy to reach for a can of pop or an electrolyte beverage like Gatorade, but these drinks contain added sugars that you definitely do not need. According to Sugarstacks.com, the average 12 oz. soda contains roughly 39 grams of sugars. The American Heart Association recommends that the maximum amount of added sugars men should consume each day is no more than 37.5 grams and women should take in even less at 25 grams. One can of soda covers the maximum daily allowance of added sugars and rarely do people stop at just one. When you factor in the convince of fountain drinks and larger bottles, it’s easy to go way over daily recommendations. Advanced Surgical and Weight Loss Institute knows that the best way to make healthier choices starts with being informed. We have had the opportunity to serve so many on their journey to permanent weight loss. We know that the choice to undergo bariatric surgery in Melbourne, FL is never an easy choice, and we want our clients to succeed. If you are looking to make better choices when it comes to staying hydrated and eliminating excess sugar, read on.
Proper hydration is key to better health. Water makes up the majority of our bodies and accounts for sixty-percent of our weight. It is vital for organ and tissue health, and dehydration can lead to a whole host of issues. We’ve all heard that we should consume 8 glasses of water a day. While this is easy to remember, it is not necessarily scientifically based. There is no general consensus on how much water is needed on a daily basis for proper hydration as everyone has individual needs. The Mayo Clinic suggests men take in around 3 liters of water a day while women need 2.2 liters. These recommendations from the Institute of Medicine. However, your daily needs depend on quite a few factors.
When determining your hydration needs, there are a few things that need to be considered. Exercise is one thing you need to take into account. You may need to consume an extra 2.5 cups of water based on how vigorous your exercise session was. Where you live also plays a role in how much water you need. Locations that have a humid climate, like here in Brevard County, will necessitate a need for more water. Places at higher altitude are the same.
For those who are sick or suffer from chronic health conditions, water intake is extremely important. Diarrhea and vomiting along with fever will create a need for more water while those suffering from things like chronic heart failure and kidney or liver disease may need to decrease their water intake.
There is no one size fits all approach to how much water you need. There are general notions but you much take into account many factors to determine the right amount for you. Despite all of this, staying hydrated is very important. When you are thirsty, reach for water instead of sugary drinks and you will be serving yourself even better.