By: Nick Thomas
People often ask what the key is to good nutrition and the answer is easy — drink enough water.
Drinking water is not just important, it is vital to having a healthy, functioning body. Sometimes, the difference in actually incorporating something into daily life is in not just being told to do so, but having a true knowledge about the reasons behind it.
Drinking more water each day is something EVERYONE can do with ease to improve overall health and body function. Simply keep a bottle of water or your favorite cup with ice water close by all day, no matter where life goes. Even doing things like setting phone timers or writing target times on the bottles to make sure a good drinking pace is maintained throughout the day help make this a success. A great goal is to drink about a gallon a day.
I believe it is knowledge that will truly fuel the desire to make drinking water part of daily life in a real way. Reaching for water instead of coffee, tea, energy drinks, or sodas is a key to true hydration. Plain old water is actually what really provides the energy needed when the temptation is to grab those other sugary drinks. Water plays a vital role in fueling the muscles so they can perform at an optimal level at all times, and especially during exercise. If cramps are ever an issue during a workout or while playing a sport, it is likely due to a lack of water intake. Avoiding painful muscle pulls and tears can even be traced back to good hydration.
Some of the less talked about but incredibly beneficial aspects of good hydration are a boost in metabolism and having more youthful, smooth skin. The ability to stay focused and concentrate on the tasks of the day are also rooted in getting a sufficient amount of water, not to mention keeping dehydration headaches at bay. The current state of society in recent years makes any boost in the immune system a mega positive, and water will do just that. Good hydration actually keeps all major organs functioning properly which helps fight off all those unwanted germs.
When the appropriate amount of water is consumed for each body size and type, it maintains a better blood pressure. Proper hydration keeps digestion at a regular level preventing constipation and an overly acidic stomach, which can lead to things like heart burn and stomach ulcers. Drinking plenty of water regulates the body’s fluid level which, if not maintained, could lead to kidney stones among other issues.
The body can go days without eating, but water is truly essential to life itself. Water consumption is the key to living your most healthy, fit life!
If you are interested in an awesome way to keep water with you at all times, “The Coldest Water” water bottle is an amazing choice. Come see us at Prime Run & Cycle in downtown Athens across from the DMV to get one in the size you love. We are an official retailer and love these state-of-the-art, no-sweat bottles that fit in most cup holders, easily in bags and backpacks, and keep our water with us and cold for days! They even come in gallon and half-gallon options!
By: Nick Thomas
owner of Prime Performance Training, and Certified Sports Nutritionist
April 6, 2024
