How much water should you drink a day? Find out here!

Don't drink less water just because it is winter!

         Hydration levels are so important guys and a lot of us don't get enough fluids, especially in winter!  Just because we are not out in the sun everyday doesn't mean that we don't need water!  Our bodies are 2/3 water, and it is essential for our bodies to function properly.  A common question always asked is how much water should we consume in a day? That is a tough question as your lifestyle depicts how much is needed!  However, the Mayo Clinic (probably the most reliable source for health information and facts)  recommends for men around 3 litres a day and for women around 2.2 litres a day.  The best tip I can give is monitor your pee!  The ideal color of your urine should be close to clear (for many of you drinkers out there, this is why your pee is clear during the time when you are intoxicated as you are very hydrated), unless you use a multivitamin.  Multivitamins excrete a lot of what isn't absorbed and can make your urine bright yellow.  The closer to yellow it is, the more you need to drink water!
    Now I know drinking that much water a day is difficult, but I always recommend just carrying a water bottle with you all the time.  You will be surprised at how much water you will drink!  Additionally try and spice it up sometimes!  Drinks with low aspartame and sugar can make your drinks a little more bearable and taste delicious.  Although it isn't the best alternative, I am a sucker for crystal light and add small amounts to my water.  Feel free to also add flavourless BCAA's (branched chain amino acids aka a recovery protein) so you get water and protein all day!  This can make huge differences!

Here are a few facts about what water can do for your health!

-Water flushes out toxins that are damaging to your body
-It is essential for urine and bowel movements
-It helps transfer essential vitamins and nutrients to your bodies cells
-It keeps your blood at a normal viscosity
-Provides the moist environment needed for things like your nose, throat, and inner ear.

Get hydrated today guys and remember, if you can't get water get sugar and aspartame free fluids in you at least!

Cheers

Ryan Trueman
Ryan.Trueman@dal.ca