Water Intake: Determine How Much to Drink

Our body is composed of mostly water.  Water is a unique molecule that flows and can embrace other molecules and help bring them to their destination.  Water is also needed in many biochemical reactions in the body.  Structurally our cells and support system, what I call the fluid system, rely on water to be full and remain in place.  The fluid system also carries energy.  

A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• The hormone system depends on the fluidity of the blood and lymph to carry out messages to distant cells. 
• The digestive system uses water to digest molecules and food while detoxifying the body.  
• The cardiovascular system relies on water in the blood to nourish all of the cells. 
• Your skin is an organ that relies on water for elasticity and strength.  The collagen in your skin relies on water.  
• The neurological system will have trouble functioning if dehydrated as the nerves must be bathed in water and electrolytes to send messages.  Mood and energy can be effected without proper hydration.
• In short, without proper amount of water, nothing in your body will function well.  

TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH WATER TO DRINK 

Take your weight in pounds and multiply it by 0.67.  This will determine your minimum baseline for how much water you need to drink daily. Then if you have any of the following in your diet, you need to add 8 ounces of water per serving of each food or substance to mitigate any negative or dehydrating effects from these substances.  This includes coffee, alcohol, juice, cigarettes, cannabis, candy, sugar, flours. So for example, if you weigh 140 pounds, multiple this by 0.67 and get 93.8 ounces of minimum water daily.  Then if you decide to have a cup of coffee, add another 8 ounces, which will total 101.8 ounces of water that day.

Author

Christine Surrago, ND Dr. Surrago is a Naturopathic Doctor practicing in Santa Monica, CA. She determines and treats the root cause of diseases and symptoms. She accepts patients who want to know what is causing their disease and will coach them to make the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes to improve their health. She completed her doctorate at Bastyr University, the world’s leading research university in Naturopathic Medicine. While attending, she was trained in the interweaving of modern medicine with naturopathy. Her training in two very different worlds of medicine has given her the ability to work with patients undergoing pharmaceutical treatment while safely bringing their body back into greater function and balance. She is known for treatment of chronic immune dysfunctions, gastrointestinal disorders, endocrine disorders and mood disorders. She served as clinical faculty at Bastyr University, specializing in the homeopathic treatment of chronic illness.