Importance of Drinking Water For Jogging

The importance of drinking water is significant to your overall well being. While we read and hear that drinking eight glasses a water each day is important, it really can be tough to do this. Perhaps because we've become so used to drinking flavored drinks including lattes, sodas and energy drinks that plain water simply isn't appealing or tasty.

However, our bodies are estimated to be comprised of 60 to 70 percent water. Blood is mostly water, and your organs including the brain, muscles, lungs and other tissues contain water. Drinking water is necessary to regulate your body's temperature. It allows for the transportation of oxygen to our cells, removes waste and protects our joints and organs. Drinking water is also said to improve one's complexion.

Benefits of Drinking Water

A terrific benefit of drinking water is that it's a natural appetite suppressant. Drink a glass fifteen minutes before eating and you'll be less likely to eat as much as you might if you don't drink water.

In addition, the importance of drinking water is necessary before, during and after exercise. When you step on the scale after a workout you'll notice you may have lost a few pounds. Be sure you're continuing to consume water because the weight loss is likely from water loss. And, if your exerting yourself for more than an hour and sweating a lot, you need to be sure to replenish your fluid levels.

Dehydration Signs

Water loss occurs through respiration, urination and sweating. Diuretics like coffee and alcohol require that you consume more water to make up for the loss.

Some of the symptoms of dehydration include fatigue, headaches, constipation and joint or muscle pain. If your urine has a strong odor or is yellow or amber color than you are likely not drinking enough water. Thirst is generally the most obvious sign of dehydration, but by this point you may be in trouble because the body needs water long before you become thirsty.

How Much to Drink?

Generally it's recommended you take your body weight and divide that number in half. This will give you the number of ounces to drink each day. So if you're 160 pounds, you should drink 80 ounces of water per day or 10 glasses of water. This amount increases when you're exercising by another eight ounces for about every 20 minutes of physical activity.

Ideally you should eat twenty percent of your water intake through fruits and vegetables. The rest will come from beverages you ingest although water remains the best choice. Sodas have lots of calories and diet sodas have a lot of sodium. Sports drinks are a good choice if they're not high in calories or sugar. Juices are also a good choice in moderation since you can fill yourself up with extra calories.

Conclusion

The importance of drinking water is necessary for you to remain healthy because our bodies are largely made up of water. We have to give our bodies what they need and water is something everyone needs. It can be tough to get the suggested eight glasses a day into your routine so try to drink a glass every hour. It'll help you remain hydrated, flush toxins from your system and help to take the edge off of your appetite.