Day 40: Water, Hydration, and Wellness
I’ve saved the most important topic for last. It’s probably the most basic and the easiest thing to do. Drink adequate amount of water.
Yet, not one study would tell us what is an adequate amount. There are many factors that dictate the required water intake. Age, activity health status, and more.
But there had been many evidences that show chronic mild dehydration results in urolithiasis or renal stones. And Increased water intake reduces calorie intake for some people.
The average urine output per day is 500 ml. A water intake of 3,000 per day for men and 2,200 ml for women are considered adequate, unless there are medical conditions that prohibit such intake like renal or heart conditions.
But not many would monitor their water intake. A lot of times, we wait for thirst to kick in—which is a sign of dehydration—before we drink.
It’s advised that we should drink regularly and not wait for thirst. Because our body is composed of about 60% water, dehydration can be life-threatening. Water is essential for many processes and we can’t live without it. All living things, in fact, including plants are comprised of water. Sometimes, drinking enough water would address aches, pains, and conditions like migraine and constipation.
During exercise, we need water and electrolytes. Some novice marathon runners collapse or die because of drinking too much water without the accompanying electrolytes, especially sodium. Hyponatremia causes the.brain to swell. It’s highly advised to drink electrolyte-containing fluids after 45 minutes of exercise.
A good way to ensure a well-hydrated state is to have a drinking bottle on hand and monitor one’s intake.
Water is so essential and yet much neglected.
Substituting water with sugar-sweetened beverages, especially soda is an easy way to sabotage one’s health. Sticking to fruit-infused or sparkling water or unsweetened brewed tea instead of soda is an easy way to reduce caloric intake.
If you find it hard to adhere to the Mediterranean way, start with the simplest one on the checklist. Drink your water requirement.
Today is our 40th day on this health journey. Will tomorrow reveal a healthier and happier you? Can we say, we have achieved a healthier lifestyle with better eating habits? That’s what this transformation is all about. It first begins with the mind, and as we become convinced and committed, we can choose where to continue to improve.
Congratulations on completing this 40-day journey. Let this not be the end but the beginning of a better lifestyle, for we grow each year in an upward spiral, shedding off the old self and embracing the new and better versions pf ourselves until we come to the perfection that we are called to be. And if this journey ended up in failure for you, don’t fret. The fact that you’ve tried and finished is already a mark of success. It may not have manifested physically, but mentally, something has changed. And if the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, then we may have to rely more on the spirit to lead our body and mind to freedom.
I always believe faith can do more for us than our willpower. Doing this 40-day journey during the Lenten season is not only symbolic but also providential.
As a woman of faith and science, I believe that God wants the best for us. To lead an abundant life is to be free from bodily infirmities. Healing was part of God’s ministry.
Whenever I think of the Holy Trinity, I think of water as the perfect symbol to explain this mystery. Water has the same molecular structure of 2 parts hydrogen and 1 part oxygen—H2O, yet exists in three forms: liquid, solid, and gas. I liken God, the Father as the liquid form, present in the beginning of the world and created everything. Jesus, is God, the Son, the tangible one, like ice, who came in bodily form that people touched and saw. God, the Holy Spirit is the gaseous form that we can’t see but exists within us.
Just like water, God is essential yet often neglected. Perhaps, He is all that we need to guide us into this journey towards health and healing. Through Him, with Him, and in Him, we can achieve healing and transformation. We only need to believe.
Thank you for going through this journey with me. I pray for your wellness and good health!
Yet, not one study would tell us what is an adequate amount. There are many factors that dictate the required water intake. Age, activity health status, and more.
But there had been many evidences that show chronic mild dehydration results in urolithiasis or renal stones. And Increased water intake reduces calorie intake for some people.
The average urine output per day is 500 ml. A water intake of 3,000 per day for men and 2,200 ml for women are considered adequate, unless there are medical conditions that prohibit such intake like renal or heart conditions.
But not many would monitor their water intake. A lot of times, we wait for thirst to kick in—which is a sign of dehydration—before we drink.
It’s advised that we should drink regularly and not wait for thirst. Because our body is composed of about 60% water, dehydration can be life-threatening. Water is essential for many processes and we can’t live without it. All living things, in fact, including plants are comprised of water. Sometimes, drinking enough water would address aches, pains, and conditions like migraine and constipation.
During exercise, we need water and electrolytes. Some novice marathon runners collapse or die because of drinking too much water without the accompanying electrolytes, especially sodium. Hyponatremia causes the.brain to swell. It’s highly advised to drink electrolyte-containing fluids after 45 minutes of exercise.
A good way to ensure a well-hydrated state is to have a drinking bottle on hand and monitor one’s intake.
Water is so essential and yet much neglected.
Substituting water with sugar-sweetened beverages, especially soda is an easy way to sabotage one’s health. Sticking to fruit-infused or sparkling water or unsweetened brewed tea instead of soda is an easy way to reduce caloric intake.
If you find it hard to adhere to the Mediterranean way, start with the simplest one on the checklist. Drink your water requirement.
Today is our 40th day on this health journey. Will tomorrow reveal a healthier and happier you? Can we say, we have achieved a healthier lifestyle with better eating habits? That’s what this transformation is all about. It first begins with the mind, and as we become convinced and committed, we can choose where to continue to improve.
Congratulations on completing this 40-day journey. Let this not be the end but the beginning of a better lifestyle, for we grow each year in an upward spiral, shedding off the old self and embracing the new and better versions pf ourselves until we come to the perfection that we are called to be. And if this journey ended up in failure for you, don’t fret. The fact that you’ve tried and finished is already a mark of success. It may not have manifested physically, but mentally, something has changed. And if the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, then we may have to rely more on the spirit to lead our body and mind to freedom.
I always believe faith can do more for us than our willpower. Doing this 40-day journey during the Lenten season is not only symbolic but also providential.
As a woman of faith and science, I believe that God wants the best for us. To lead an abundant life is to be free from bodily infirmities. Healing was part of God’s ministry.
Whenever I think of the Holy Trinity, I think of water as the perfect symbol to explain this mystery. Water has the same molecular structure of 2 parts hydrogen and 1 part oxygen—H2O, yet exists in three forms: liquid, solid, and gas. I liken God, the Father as the liquid form, present in the beginning of the world and created everything. Jesus, is God, the Son, the tangible one, like ice, who came in bodily form that people touched and saw. God, the Holy Spirit is the gaseous form that we can’t see but exists within us.
Just like water, God is essential yet often neglected. Perhaps, He is all that we need to guide us into this journey towards health and healing. Through Him, with Him, and in Him, we can achieve healing and transformation. We only need to believe.
Thank you for going through this journey with me. I pray for your wellness and good health!