We need to be watered too!

Did you know that as we get older, the percentage of water in our bodies decreases? At birth, a baby's water content is around 80%. By the time we reach 40, our water content has dropped to 60-55%!

Hydration is a key recovery tool that is often forgotten. The brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water. The skin contains 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79%, and even the bones are watery: 31%. Men have more water content than women. And people with more fatty tissue have less water content than people with less fatty tissue.

We lose water several ways - waste (urine) and perspiration are the most prevalent. The purpose of hydration is to replace what we have lost, and make up deficiencies that may be present naturally. On average, the daily water intake for an adult is two to three liters a day, bearing in mind that some water is replaced through the food we can consume. Balanced hydration serves multiple purposes to your overall health and wellness: it regulates body temperature, keeps joints lubricated, prevents infections. For anyone on a training routine, it is also crucial for delivering nutrients to cells and keeping your organs functioning. Proper hydration has also been proven to improve sleep quality, cognition, and mood!

I know that tracking the amount of water intake can seem tedious. Here are a few simple ways to monitor water intake.

1) Always consume at least one bottle (16-24 oz) during your exercising.

2) Set an alert on your phone for every two hours - when the alert goes off, drink 8-12 oz of water.

3) Before you enjoy your glass of wine or soda, recall the day and only indulge if you can honestly account for sufficient daily water intake.

Read more here: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/services/health/texercise/importance-of-hydration.pdf