We all know that drinking water is good for us, but do you know the best times to hydrate? Here are some interesting facts that might indicate when your body most needs water, even if you’re not “thirsty.”
Drinking a glass of water when you wake up in the morning is the best time to hydrate, as your body has been fasting overnight. For an extra boost, add a lemon to your water for an additional source of antioxidant phytonutrients, vitamin C, and potassium.
When you are hungry, it might actually mean you’re thirsty. The brain recognizes these triggers as the same thing, so before you grab something to eat, try drinking a glass of water. Give it a couple of minutes to work and see if the water satisfies your urge to eat.
If your energy level is low in the middle of the day, resist the urge to grab a cup of coffee or a carbonated drink. Instead, drink a glass of water. The British Journal of Nutrition reports that a person’s hydration state is directly related to their mood, memory, and visual perception, so maintaining hydration is crucial for optimal function. Since almost three-quarters of your brain is composed of fluid, dehydration can cause its blood vessels to constrict, potentially affecting your coordination, short-term memory, attention span, and stamina.
Whenever you sweat, it’s important to hydrate yourself. Sweating can occur due to heat, exercise, or any warming of the body. Since sweating causes your body to lose fluids, it is important to replenish them to avoid headaches, dehydration, or lightheadedness. If you plan to work out or spend time outside in hot weather, fill up a bottle with 16–20 ounces of water. Drink another 6–12 ounces every 10–15 minutes while you are active. And, when you finish, drink another 16–24 ounces. It is recommended to consult your doctor before exercising in hot weather and inquire about any fluid restrictions if you have a medical condition.
When you are sick, hydration is crucial, especially if you are experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. If you start to feel ill, drink lots of water, especially if you are not hungry, and stay away from carbonated drinks and alcohol, which dry out your system even more.
If you plan to fly, it’s important to stay hydrated before, during, and after the flight. The higher the altitude, the drier the cabin air becomes, and approximately half of it is drawn from outside. To combat low humidity levels on the plane, carry an empty water bottle to fill as needed during your flight.
If you are prone to headaches or migraines, dehydration is one of the top triggers. Even slight dehydration can bring on an intense headache, so keep a bottle of water nearby and stay hydrated.
If you are trying to lose a few pounds, drinking 16 ounces of water about 30 minutes before meals and throughout the day can help you lose weight. A study found that individuals who adopted this habit lost approximately three pounds more than those who did not. Drinking water speeds up your metabolism and the body’s process of burning fat for energy.
So, how much water should we be drinking? The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommend 15.5 cups a day for men and 11.5 cups for women (including all drinks and food sources, such as coffee, tea, fruits, and vegetables). This may mean that you only need to drink 4–6 more cups of water to achieve this recommendation. Your own needs depend on your body, health, level of activity, and the climate in which you live. Ask your doctor how much you should consume each day.
References:
www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-Best Times to Drink Water, Written by Janie McQueen, Medically Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD on October 07, 2023
