When you have proper hydration, you feel a lot better

Hydration is important to living healthy. National Hydration Day, recognized on June 23, was created to honor the late football coach Victor Hawkins. He had created a special hydrating mouthguard to keep his players healthy on the field.

Drinking enough water each day is good for overall health. 

Plain drinking water has zero calories, so it can also help with managing body weight and reducing caloric intake when substituted for drinks with calories, like sodas.

Drinking water can prevent dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking, result in mood change, cause your body to overheat, lead to constipation, and kidney stones.

Exercise can be for your health, but working out while dehydrated is not healthy. Water provides your body with the fuel you need to get through a workout or a busy afternoon outside.

When you are properly hydrated, you are able to exercise in a healthy way, making your mind and your body happy.

Water & Nutrition

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends for women drink 9 cups (a little over 2 liters) of fluid each day. Pregnant women should drink about 10 cups of water daily. Those who breastfeed need about 12 cups.

Getting enough water every day is important for your health. Healthy people meet their fluid needs by drinking when thirsty and drinking with meals. Most of your fluid needs are met through the water and beverages you drink.

However, you can get some fluids through the foods that you eat. For example, broth soups and foods with high water content such as celery, tomatoes, or melons can contribute to fluid intake.

When you are properly hydrated, you feel a lot better than when your body is short on water. Dehydration causes symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and feelings of exhaustion.

Getting into the habit of drinking water more often may inspire you to build other healthy habits in your life.

Water helps your body:

Keep your temperature normal
Lubricate and cushion joints
Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues
Get rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements

Your body needs more water when you are:

In hot climates
More physically active
Running a fever
Having diarrhea or vomiting

If you think you are not getting enough water, these tips may help:

• Carry a water bottle for easy access when you are at work or running errands.
• Freeze some freezer-safe water bottles. Take one with you for ice-cold water all day long.
• Choose water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. This can also help with weight management. Substituting water for one 20-ounce sugar-sweetened soda will save you about 240 calories. For example, during the school day, students should have access to drinking water, giving them a healthy alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages.
• Choose water when eating out. Generally, you will save money and reduce calories.
• Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water. This can help improve the taste and help you drink more water than you usually do.

Heatstroke or dehydration can happen to anyone, no matter how healthy they may seem on the surface. It has happened to me on many occasions. No one is immune to the risks of not staying properly hydrated.

Hydration awareness is an important reminder that no matter how young, agile, or fit we may feel, our bodies need water, and health is not something to mess around with.