Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized

Briefly interrupting Q & A Thursday, to bring you today’s task in 31 Days to Better Energy – drink more water. Health specialists are always talking about drinking more water. Here in Australia, the general message is to have between 1.5 and 2 litres per day, more if you’re exercising or it’s very hot. However, the 31 Days is about improving your energy levels and what’s water got to do with that?

What’s the deal with water?

While you can live many weeks without food, you can only survive about seven days without water. About 60-70% of the human body is made of water and it’s required for every single body process. However, thoughout the day you’re constantly losing water, each time you breath, urinate, defecate and when you sweat. For your body to work at its optimum level, it’s important to replace what you lose each day. If you don’t you’ll be more tired than you need to be.

Moreover, even mild dehydration can cause your blood to thicken, as it’s less dilute. This means your heart has to work harder to pump the blood to the cells and organs of your body, which can also result in tiredness.

You can gauge your level of hydration next time you go to the loo to urinate. Have a quick look in the bowl – your urine should be either clear or a pale yellow. If it’s darnk yellow, orange or brown-y coloured, then you’re simply not drinking enough water.

Today’s task

It’s now day nine of 31 Days to Better Energy and your task for today is to drink more water. Think about how much water you’re drinking now and add two more glasses to your daily total.

If you’re starting from a base of virtually nothing, then you just have to get through two glasses today. If you generally have a few glasses a day, then try to fit a couple more in this afternoon and evening.

To stay well hydrated, you can also consume foods that naturally contain water, for example most vegetables and fresh fruits like watermelons, orange, grapes, apples and pears.

If you’re already drinking lots of water, then why not take a look at the full list of tips so far in 31 Days to Better Energy and try one of the others.

09 August, 2007