Water:
Water:
STRATEGIES FOR DRINKING MORE WATER
8-12 glasses of water daily are recommended
If you wait until you're thirsty, it's too late.
- Have drinking water that is safe and that tastes good to you. This may mean testing of your water supply. It may mean filtering your water or buying bottled water with good test results.
- If you have digestive problems, do not drink water with your meals, because it will dilute your stomach acid.
The following are all habits that take varying amounts of time to establish. They may take a month or so of conscious effort before they become automatic.
- Place a glass of water by your bed, and if you wake in the night, drink it.
- Drink a glass of water as soon as you get up in the morning.
- Take your vitamins or medications with a whole glass of water.
- If you are going to be at home, set out a pitcher of water, so that you can judge how much you are drinking during the day. Sliced lemon or lime in the water may encourage you to drink more.
- If you are going to be away from home for the day, carry some bottled water with you. Have a bottle in the car. Get a fanny or back pack with a water bottle carrier. Keep water available at your workplace. When you exercise, be extra sure to have water available.
- Substitute water for coffee, tea, or soda breaks. Set a timer. Use a cue such as a school bell, or a factory whistle, or a TV program. Take water to meetings.
- If you take vitamin C, or a calcium magnesium supplement, use the powdered form that must be
dissolved in water.
- Plan for bathroom breaks at first. Your body will soon become used to the new plan and not require any more breaks than normal. If your kidneys, bladder, or urethra have problems, drinking more water may help. If you encounter any difficulties, you may need to have the situation evaluated by an MD or ND.
HOW HEALTH PURSUITS Reading/Study Groups
