I FORGOT . . .

This blog post will talk about the benefits of drinking water. However, when I logged in, and looked at my blog history, it appears I also ‘forgot’ about writing in the blog for 4 (FOUR) months !!!

But, back to the topic of forgetting and water.

I have learned in my Integrative Nutrition course that as we age we also tend to forget to drink water. I can attest to the validity of that statement. Many is the day I’ve looked back and found I had very little, if any, plain water to drink.

I may have never been a big water drinker. I went through a phase where Diet Coke was a staple (as in 2-3 large iced cups each day). When I was growing up, my parents placed less emphasis on drinking water than parents do today. Coupled with the age factor, it is easy for me to forget that glass of water.

What do I do today? Well, I always have a glass of water on my bathroom counter and next to the chair I use when relaxing. If I get up in the night, I’ll have 5-6 gulps from the counter glass, and I’ll go through 2-3 glasses in an evening while reading, watching TV, etc. In the car, I’m trying to always have the large travel cup filled so that I have water throughout the day.

I logged into my computer this morning and was faced with a Healthline article about the benefits of drinking water. I’ll summarize them here:

1. Maximizes physical performance by reducing fatigue, increasing motivation and maintaining a healthy body temperature.

2. Increases brain function (mild dehydration can impair energy, mood and memory).

3. May help reduce headaches, tho the article did state more research is needed on this benefit.

4. May prevent and relieve constipation.

5. Appears to decrease risk of kidney stones.

6. Because hangovers are partly caused by dehydration, water may reduce some symptoms.

7. Aid in weight loss by increasing feeling of fullness and boosting metabolic weight.

All good things and good reasons to up our water intake. Today, I’m hearing that my water consumption goal ought to be 50% of my weight in ounces. (I am not going to tell you what that equals.) If you’re not sure how much YOU should drink, check with your physician.

That’s it for now. See you sooner than 4 months, I hope.