“I have set a daily water intake goal of half my body weight in ounces, and it is definitely noticeable when I do not reach my goal!”
The core principles of nutrition and hydration are fuel, energy production and optimal body functioning. If you put good fuel and water into your body, your energy level and body have the best chance of functioning optimally. Conversely, if you put bad fuel in your body, your energy level and body may not perform at peak condition.
What constitutes good fuel is a matter of common sense. Whole foods and quality protein are good fuel for the body and highly processed foods and drink with excessive sugar, fat and caffeine are poor fuel. Compliance to one extreme or the other isn’t critical, but you need to find what works for your body in order to sustain the energy and endurance required to perform daily activities.
Every 24 hours, the body recycles 170 liters of water to maintain the normal physiological functions required for efficient brain and body tissue function, as well as for transmission of information within the body. How important is water? Your body can go without food for about a month, however it cannot go without water for more than eight to 14 days, depending upon the person— water is essential for sustaining life.
How often and how much depends upon your body’s unique needs. A good indicator of hydration is the color of your urine. If the color is light and clear, your body is effectively clearing the waste from your body. If the color is dark yellow or orange, you probably need to increase your water intake.