When is the Best Time to Drink Water?
TJ Ferrara
over 2 years ago
Is There a Best Time to Drink Water?
Hydration isn’t something many people list as a strength. Sure, you might drink a variety of beverages throughout the day, carry a water bottle to the gym or have a glass of water with a meal, but it never feels like enough. Water bottles with tracking systems have become popular - motivational quotes mark the ounces until 0 oz. remain, rubber bands can be moved up a notch each time a glass is finished, but how often might a person reach the end of the work day and realize they haven’t made it past the first mark? Some days after finishing an entire water bottle, passing all of the motivational quotes or moving all of the rubber bands, you might still feel thirsty come bedtime. Does this mean you’re dehydrated?
How to Know If You’re Dehydrated
Common signs of dehydration are:
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Feeling thirsty
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Dark yellow and strong-smelling urine
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Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
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Feeling tired
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Dry mouth, lips and eyes
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Peeing little or fewer than 4 times a day
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it could mean that you are not drinking enough water. It could also be a sign that you are not drinking water at the right time. Many adults have accepted dehydration as a part of life, but remaining hydrated is critical for overall health.
The Problems With Thirst
According to Medical Daily, about 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated, so if you constantly feel thirsty or feel like you are missing the mark, you are not alone! According to Mayo Clinic, men should drink about About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day and women need about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day. Some doctors recommend taking your body weight and dividing it by 2 to find the ounces of water your body needs daily. While a little thirst may seem fine, over time, failure to drink enough water can contribute to a wide array of medical complications from fatigue and dry skin, joint pain, and weight gain to headaches, ulcers, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. Okay, we get it, we need to drink more water. But when? Jessica Migala and Dr. Kelly Kennedy of Everyday Health have some suggestions.
The Best Times to Drink Water
According to Dr. Kelly Kennedy, there are 7 key times to drink water:
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Drink one or two cups of water right when you wake up. You don’t drink when you’re sleeping, so you may wake up already dehydrated. Starting the day with a glass or two will restore your body’s balance and put you ahead of the game.
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Drink a glass of water before a meal. When our bodies are dehydrated, we begin to crave water in all forms - which can be food. Drinking water can help us to meet our body’s needs and can also help with weight management.
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Drink a glass of water after a meal, too! Water after your meal can help with digestion as well as hydration. It’s a win-win!
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Drink water instead of indulging in coffee, energy drinks, or sugary snacks if you find yourself in an afternoon slump. Studies show that this afternoon fatigue can often be credited to dehydration. Consuming sugar and caffeine can increase dehydration and affect your sleep later on in the day.
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Drink water when you have a headache. Dehydration can trigger migraine attacks.
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Drink a little water before bed, and keep the glass nearby. While Dr. Kennedy doesn’t recommend drinking full glasses of water before bedtime, she does suggest keeping water nearby in the chance that you wake up in the night feeling thirsty.
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Before, during, and after exercise. Dr. Kennedy points out that hydration for exercise begins days before the workout. It’s important to hydrate regularly if you plan to exercise regularly. Overloading on water before a workout can lead to discomfort and cramps, so it’s important to stay ahead of the game. A study conducted by Sports Medicine found it effective to drink water about 30 minutes before moderate exercise, then be sure to replenish any water you lose through your sweat.
What If I Just Don’t Like Water?
If the previous reasons to drink water don’t seem like enough or you just don’t enjoy it, you are not alone. Luckily, we live in a time when there are plenty of ways to improve the taste (or lack thereof) in water. BUBS Naturals has a few delicious products to improve your next glass. BUBS Fountain of Youth comes in a delicious Maqui Berry flavor. Aside from tasting really good, adding this to your water can promote better joint health, healthier hair, skin and nails, support faster recovery, and encourage better digestion. Collagen Protein and MCT Oil Powder can amplify the impact your water has without adding flavor, but can also be used in some tasty mixes recommended here. Mixing these in your water can add a protein boost to your diet, increase energy and mental focus, control cravings, and support digestion, all while promoting health, vitality, recovery, and healing from the inside out.