We are all aware that water is beneficial to our health. Knowing how helpful it can be in your recovery from alcohol or drug addiction may inspire you to start drinking more water.
How can hydration help in recovery?
More than you may realize, hydration has a positive impact on your addiction recovery. Not only is hydration necessary for your body’s basic functions, but it can also assist in the removal of toxins. It helps curb your cravings while allowing your body to return to its natural healthy state. When your body is dehydrated, you may confuse it with a variety of wants, including those alcohol, drugs, sweets, caffeine, and junk food. These cravings can be reduced during the day by staying hydrated. Drinking water improves your ability to thrive as you heal by giving you a more positive and willing mindset.
1. Maintains Healthy Weight.
According to a study, increasing your water intake can help you lose weight by modestly improving your metabolism, which can help you burn more calories on a regular basis. A 2013 study of 50 overweight young women found that drinking an additional 500 ml of water 3 times per day before meals for 8 weeks resulted in considerable weight and fat loss when compared to pre-study measures. The timing is also crucial. The most efficient method is to drink water half an hour before eating. It can make you feel fuller, allowing you to consume fewer calories.
2. Gives More Energy.
Mild dehydration has an adverse influence on mood and energy. In studies, dehydration has been linked to increased fatigue, hostility, and confusion, as well as mood issues and decreased vitality. If you’re the type of person who waits until you feel thirsty, you are probably already dehydrated. Water makes up around two-thirds of the human body; therefore, dehydration impacts most of the body’s functions, which is why you need to be hydrated for your cells to perform properly. Drinking more water gives you more energy to do tasks that require physical exertion, such as staying awake at work after lunch. So try your best and drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.
3. Good for Your Body.
Water makes up around 60% of your body. Drinking water aids in the maintenance of body fluid equilibrium. Digestion, absorption, circulation, saliva production, nutrient transfer, and body temperature regulation are all essential functions of these bodily fluids. Drinking water also aids in the maintenance of a healthy heart rate and blood pressure. You need enough fluid to create lymph, vital body fluid, and immune system components. All of the body’s systems and functions work better in a well-hydrated environment. To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of water throughout the day. If plain water does not appeal to you, try adding some lemon and/or cucumber to your water.
4. Gives You an Extra Glow.
Hydration can make your skin glow and look better. Water is abundant in your skin, and it serves as a protective barrier to prevent excessive fluid loss. Without water, your blood thickens and seeks hydration from your skin cells. This can cause your skin to appear dry and your eyes to look dark and sunken. Dehydration can cause your skin to age more quickly and lose its suppleness. Hydration can improve the texture and color of your skin by generating new cells on a regular basis.
5. Perfect Detox.
Wastes are eliminated through urination, perspiration, and bowel motions when you drink water. Because body fluids move waste materials in and out of cells, water can benefit your kidneys. Water can also aid in the maintenance of proper bowel function by keeping things moving along your gastrointestinal tract and preventing constipation. When you don’t drink enough water, your colon takes water from your stools to stay hydrated, causing constipation.
When you get enough fluids, urine flows freely, is light in color, and is free of odor. On the other hand, if your body doesn’t get enough fluids, urine concentration, color, and odor increase because the kidneys trap extra fluid for bodily functions.
How much water should you consume per day while recovering?
You’ve probably heard the advice to drink 8 glasses of water every day. It’s simple to remember, and it’s a relatively easy goal. Most healthy people can stay hydrated by drinking water or other fluids whenever they are thirsty. For others, less than eight glasses per day may be sufficient, but other people may need more. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the average adult should drink enough water every day:
- 15.5 cups/3.7 liters of fluids a day for men
- 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women
In reality, there is no universal answer to this problem. The amount of water required varies widely depending on your lifestyle, and it should be greatly increased if you are really busy on a daily basis.
These recommendations cover fluids from water, other beverages, and food. About 20% of daily fluid intake usually comes from food and the rest from drinks. If you have a medical condition that causes you to retain water, your water consumption should be less than this. In either case, you should get medical counsel to determine what your daily intake should be to stay healthy and happy.
Is water the only option for staying hydrated?
The recommendations above apply to fluids such as water, other beverages, and meals. Food accounts for roughly 20% of daily fluid intake, with liquids accounting for the rest. You don’t have to drink only water to be hydrated. What you consume also contributes significantly. Many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and spinach, contain nearly all of their weight in water. Water also makes up the majority of liquids like milk, juice, and herbal teas. Even caffeinated beverages like coffee and soda might help you meet your daily water requirements. However, avoid sugar-sweetened beverages as well. Regular soda, energy or sports drinks, and other sweet drinks often have a lot of added sugar, which might supply more calories than necessary.
Addiction treatment is difficult, and when your fundamental needs aren’t satisfied, the recovery journey becomes considerably harder. By staying hydrated, you can keep your mood in check and make the ride a little smoother.
*If you have any medical conditions that can make you retain water, you should drink less water than this. In either situation, you should get medical advice from your doctor or health provider to establish what you should consume on a regular basis in order to stay healthy and happy.