Dreaded Disease or Just Thirsty?

By: Cindy Gilbert | Dear Sister Knowitall, August 2017

Dear Sister Knowitall,
I’ve been having all these symptoms lately since the weather has gotten warmer. Someone told me to drink more water is that true? ~ Signed Waterworks Wilma

Dear Waterworks Wilma,
Our bodies are 60% water according to the USGS (Water Science School.) The brain and heart are comprised of 73% water. We have ample water in the U.S., yet we deprive ourselves. The old rule of drinking 8 glasses of water a day are gone. Your body needs half of your body weight in ounces of water every day. So if you weigh 130lbs you need to be drinking 65 oz. of water every day. 

If you workout and break a sweat you need to add an extra 8oz, drink a caffeinated or alcoholic beverage add an extra 8oz for every one you consume. Can you drink too much water? The answer is yes. If you drink so much that your urine is completely clear you need to slack off a bit. Your urine actually says a lot about your health. It should be slightly yellow. On the flip side if it is too dark you are dehydrated. How do you know if you are dehydrated? If you are thirsty it’s too late you are already dehydrated. Other symptoms may include:  

• Dry mouth
• Chapped lips
• Hangnails
• Brittle Nails
• Dry brittle hair
• Dry itchy skin
• Achy joints
• Muscle cramps
• Menstrual cramps
• Brain Fog
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Tired or sleepy
• Urine is low volume
• Headache

It almost sounds like a disease doesn’t it? Here are some tips to help you on your way.

1. Use a cup or bottle with a lid and keep it with you.
2. Get on that scale and tally up that water intake you need per day.
3. Fill up a pitcher with the correct ounces needed per day.
4. If you want filtered water think about buying a gallon instead of water bottles and pour into your own cup bottle. The environment will appreciate it.
5. A gallon of liquid is 128 fluid ounces. Measure it out 1 time.
6. Get a water reminder app on your phone. Or set an hourly reminder to drink water
7. Drink a glass in the am before you do anything else.
8. Keep a bottle by the bed at night
9. Add fruit infusions to make it flavorful
10. Try some of the new flavored sparkling waters to help curb your soda craving.
11. Eat fruits and veggies that are mostly water like watermelon or cucumber.

Cindy Pitts Gilbert is Director of Training for Know It Training for Professional and Personal Development in Gwinnett County. She is also the Home Remedy Guru of the Blog Sister Knowitall: sisterknowitall.blogspot.com. She has been learning natural home remedies after she developed allergic reactions to chemicals in household cleaning products.
Send your questions to: askme@sisterknowitall.com