Gut Reset: Day 1 Cleansing with Water
QUANTITY
Water needs are highly bio-individual. Everything from age to activity level to current state of health affect the amount of water needed each day.
The general recommendations are 2.7 liters per day for women and 3.7 liters per day for men. About 20% of daily water needs are actually met through diet, so it’s important to include hydrating foods, like fruits and vegetables, in your meals throughout the day.
To meet your hydration needs, opt for water with fresh fruit rather than sugar-sweetened beverages.
QUALITY
The quality of the water you’re drinking is just as important as the quantity. And, everything from agriculture to chemicals from industry runoff to household plumbing can affect the quality of tap water.
Drinking spring or filtered water can help reduce your exposure to contaminants sometimes found in tapwater. Use a good at-home filter to reduce exposure to common contaminants, like chromium, lead, and atrazine (I love the Berkey Filters).
As you’re hydrating, don’t forget to go green! Reusable stainless steel, glass, or BPA-freewater bottles and at-home water filters support not only the health of your gut but also the health of the planet.
BENEFITS
There are several benefits associated with consuming more water, but here are a few of my favorites:
FEWER CRAVINGS
Dehydration can sometimes be confused with hunger, so drinking enough water may actually help reduce cravings. This means you’re more likely to eat in support of your energy needs and make food choices that best support gut health.
DIGESTIVE REGULARITY
Fiber tends to get all the credit when it comes to digestive regularity, but being dehydrated can lead to constipation. Drinking water is essential for keeping your gut health in top shape!
GLOWING SKIN Your skin is considered the largest organ in the body. Since drinking water helps
hydrate your cells, your skin will have a healthy glow and likely appear more youthful!
MENTAL FOCUS Since your brain is made of about 70% water, maintaining proper hydration will help
you think, focus, and stay alert.
MORE ENERGY
Water helps alleviate common signs of dehydration, like headaches and fatigue, so you’re bound to feel less sluggish throughout the day.
EXTRA TIPS
If drinking water sometimes feels like hard work, check out these fun tips to help make it easier!
Add a squeeze of lemon or lime – sometimes just one drop of acidity can make water taste that much better.
Bring the spa home with you! Add some cucumber, melon, or even berries into your water – mix it up to keep every cup interesting!
Invest in a reusable water bottle to keep with you. Make it a goal to fill it up multipletimes each day.
Drink a full glass of water first thing in the morning to stimulate digestion and rehydrate from the night.
Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink water; thirst is a sign of dehydration.
