By Dr. Trevor Tew
The time has finally come to enjoy our incredible Alaska summers. When we’re out adventuring; whether that's hiking, biking, running, or just enjoying the long summer nights, it’s important to stay hydrated.
Did you know--The average male should be drinking about 125 ounces of water daily? Women should be drinking about 90 ounces. Continue reading to learn some of the incredible benefits of staying hydrated.
Helps our muscles and joints work better- The water inside and outside the cells of our muscles provide the adequate nutrients while also removing waste efficiently aiding in performance. Water is also essential for keeping our joints lubricated. When correctly hydrated, you will not only notice a decrease in muscle soreness after a tough workout but an increase in mobility when staying active.
Promotes Cardiovascular Health- When our bodies are dehydrated it lowers our blood volume. This makes our heart work harder to pump the *already* reduced amount of blood. With this added strain on our bodies, it makes our everyday activities like- walking up stairs, carrying groceries into the house, and of course working out, much more difficult.
Leads to weight loss- Yes, you read that correctly. This is due to the fact that water can increase satiety and boost our metabolic rate. If our bodies are dehydrated they will hold on to whatever water they have been given. When drinking a proper amount of water our bodies are aware they are being replenished and have the ability to flush out waste and toxins. In one study, dieters who drank half a liter (16 Oz.) of water a half hour prior to meals lost 44% more weight over a 12 week period. This is because we feel full faster with less food when we are hydrated.
Most people don’t drink enough water to begin with let alone when they are active outside in the heat. Having a water bottle or water reservoir with you at all times, especially while being active, will encourage you to drink more water, stay healthy, perform better, and even lose weight! Below are links to some popular products that many people use daily to keep hydrated.
https://www.camelbak.com/en/packs
https://www.nalgene.com/bottles/
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About the Author Dr. Tew is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician and provides the latest in sports injury and spine. He is a lifelong Alaskan that enjoys outdoor adventures with his dog, Maddux. |