Why You Should Drink More Water
As a busy mom, a health practitioner, and someone passionate about holistic wellness, I know how easy it is to overlook the simple yet powerful habits that keep us feeling our best. One of the most underrated—and absolutely essential—practices for better health is drinking enough water.
The body is designed to heal itself; it’s a self-healing, self-correcting system. But in order to do so, it needs the right conditions. Hydration is one of the most fundamental factors in maintaining balance, supporting digestion, boosting energy, and even managing emotions. Yet, many of us (and our kids!) are walking around dehydrated without even realizing it.
Water: The Foundation of Life
Think about how we maintain our homes, cars, or computers. We buy the necessary tools, invest in upkeep, and even install antivirus software to keep things running smoothly. Yet, when it comes to our bodies—the most valuable “machine” we own—many people don’t think twice about what they put into it, especially when it comes to water.
Water is essential for:
- Alkalizing the Body – Chronic acidity is common in today’s world due to processed foods, stress, and dehydration. Drinking water helps balance pH levels and reduces inflammation.
- Digestion & Detoxification – Water supports the body’s natural detox pathways, helping flush out toxins and keep digestion running smoothly.
- Energy & Focus – Dehydration is one of the leading causes of fatigue, headaches, and brain fog. Drinking enough water helps improve mental clarity and sustain energy levels throughout the day.
- Immune Support – Hydration plays a key role in immune function, keeping mucous membranes moist and aiding in lymphatic drainage.
- Emotional Balance – Did you know dehydration can impact mood? It can contribute to feelings of irritability, anxiety, and even sadness. Keeping hydrated helps regulate stress hormones and supports emotional well-being.
The Body Has No Backup Water Tank
Unlike a car with a reserve fuel tank, the body doesn’t store extra water for later use. We lose an average of ½ to ¾ of a gallon of water daily through breathing, sweating, and elimination. What we don’t replace, we go without, and over time, even mild dehydration can lead to significant health issues.
Signs of dehydration include:
- Dry skin and lips
- Constipation
- Frequent headaches
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Irritability or mood swings
Best Practices for Staying Hydrated
It’s not just about drinking more water—it’s about drinking it the right way. Here are some simple shifts to optimize your hydration:
1. Start Your Day with Water
Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning helps jumpstart metabolism, flush out toxins, and rehydrate the body after a night of fasting. Add a drop of lemon vitality essential oil for an extra boost of alkalizing benefits!
Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning helps jumpstart metabolism, flush out toxins, and rehydrate the body after a night of fasting. Add a drop of lemon vitality essential oil for an extra boost of alkalizing benefits!
Pro Tip: Always use glass or stainless steel when adding essential oils to your water. Do not use in plastic as it can leach the petrochemicals from the bottle into your water.
2. Hydrate Between Meals
Drinking water with meals can dilute digestive enzymes, making digestion less efficient. Instead, aim to drink water 30 minutes before meals and wait at least two hours after eating for optimal digestion.
Drinking water with meals can dilute digestive enzymes, making digestion less efficient. Instead, aim to drink water 30 minutes before meals and wait at least two hours after eating for optimal digestion.
3. Use Mineral-Rich Water
Tap and filtered water often lack the essential minerals the body needs for hydration. By filtering and adding a pinch of sea salt or trace minerals to your water can improve absorption and electrolyte balance.
Tap and filtered water often lack the essential minerals the body needs for hydration. By filtering and adding a pinch of sea salt or trace minerals to your water can improve absorption and electrolyte balance.
4. Encourage Kids to Drink More Water
If you’re a mama like me, you know how challenging it can be to get kids to drink enough water. Try making it fun by:
If you’re a mama like me, you know how challenging it can be to get kids to drink enough water. Try making it fun by:
- Giving them their own special water bottle
- Adding fresh fruit like berries, lemon, or cucumber for flavor
- Setting reminders or using a chart to track their water intake
5. Don’t Wait Until You’re Thirsty
By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Make it a habit to sip water consistently throughout the day instead of chugging large amounts at once.
By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Make it a habit to sip water consistently throughout the day instead of chugging large amounts at once.
How Much Water Do You Really Need?
A general guideline is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, aim for 75 ounces of water daily. However, factors like activity level, climate, and overall health can influence your hydration needs.
Take the First Step Today
It’s easy to get caught up in complicated health trends, but sometimes, the simplest changes make the biggest impact. Drinking more water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support your body naturally—helping you (and your little ones!) feel more energized, focused, and vibrant every day.
So, drink up—your body will thank you! How much water have you had today? Drop a comment below and let’s keep each other accountable!
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