Water Is Elemental to Healthy Nutrition
If you were trapped on a deserted island, what is the one thing you couldn’t live without?
If you said your cellular device or social media, you’re wrong. The answer is water! The human body is 50 to 70% water. Still, we lose water through a variety of different ways, including sweating, breathing, and exercising. Dehydration can lead to a variety of different issues, such as impaired physical and cognitive function.
Learn more about hydration through the Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Physical Health and Wellness program.
Adequate hydration is paramount to ensuring a body functions properly, and it is also important for your metabolism. So when creating a healthy lifestyle, ample fluid consumption is the most important foundation from which to build.
Here are some best practices to stay hydrated:
- Sip water throughout the day to stay mentally sharp and productive! Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to start your water intake — by this time you’re already dehydrated. The daily recommended consumption of water varies, but in general, you should try to drink half an ounce to an ounce of water for each pound you weigh, every day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should consume between 75 and 150 ounces of water a day. Remember to increase hydration to accommodate exercising and hot weather.
- Remember, you can eat for hydration too! There are water-rich foods you can incorporate into your diet to help you meet your daily water-intake goal. For instance, fruits such as watermelon and strawberries and vegetables such as cucumber and lettuce can all boost your body’s water levels.
- Find a water bottle that fits your lifestyle. From selecting between different sizes to adding extra elements like a flavor infuser, you can turn your water consumption into a trackable and tasty event!
- Plan for environmental impacts. If a heat wave is scheduled to hit your area, stay indoors! Plan your run at an air-conditioned gym or go for a brisk walk inside a shopping center. If you must go outside, wear clothing that keeps you cool by choosing light colors and loose-fitting, breathable materials, and use sun-blocking elements like hats and sunscreen.
Developing healthy habits is essential to improving overall wellness for injured veterans. In recognition of National Nutrition Month, WWP is sharing tips and resources to help warriors and their families develop long-term healthy habits. By combining these healthy nutrition habits with regular physical activity, improved sleep, and increased mobility, warriors and their families can set and achieve goals for a healthier life.
For more nutrition tips and resources throughout the month, visit the WWP newsroom and search for “nutrition,” and stay tuned into WWP’s social channels.
Contact: Vesta M. Anderson — Public Relations, vanderson@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.570.0771
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.