Water. I’ve covered this topic a bit like here and most recently here. But since “repetition is the mother of retention”… here we go again. This time, we’ll dig a little deeper into why you should drink water for healthy hair.
How Does Water Intake Affect My Hair?
The body is composed of about 60% to 70% water. Some of that water is lost throughout the day from things like urination, sweating and even just breathing. Therefore, we need to replace that lost fluid daily in order to stay hydrated and be healthy. If we don’t, we become dehydrated which will have an adverse affect on our hair {and yes, our bodies as well}. Our hair follicles receive their nutrients from our blood which is about 85% water. No water → no nutrients → no healthy hair.
But, How Much is “Enough” Water?
While many of us may have heard that we should drink at least 64 oz. of water per day (or eight to ten 8 oz glasses), how much water a person needs to drink to stay properly hydrated will depend on the individual. Did you know that you get about 20% of your water intake from fruits and veggies? That said, if you’re eating plenty of these babies, you may not need as much actual water as someone who doesn’t.
A good way to know if you’re getting enough water is to take a gander at your urine. If it’s more on the pale side or even clear, congratulations! You’re good. If it’s leaning more towards a darkish yellow, then you may wanna step up your water game! I simply make sure I’m drinking as much water as possible throughout the day. I don’t keep track of ounces… at all. Who needs that kind of pressure?! LOL!
What Can I Do To Make Sure I’m Getting Enough?
Here are a few things that have helped me:
- Keep a bottle of water with you every where you go and every where you will go. In other words, in addition to carrying a bottle in your bag, keep a bottle at work, in your car, your gym locker… EVERYWHERE!
- Start gradually replacing your meal beverages with water until you can limit yourself to having only one non-water beverage per day. You may have to force yourself in the beginning if you’re not much of a water drinker.
- Eat more fruits and veggies. As stated before, they account for some of your water intake.
- Drink teas. There are hundreds of delicious and nutritious herbal teas out there to choose from. I like to use a natural sweetener like agave nectar. This is for those who can’t take water’s lack of taste. ^_^
The moral of the story: if you want healthy hair, start from the inside! Drink more water.
Thanks for reminding me that I need to keep a bottle of water with me whenever I go in order to stay hydrated. Aside from getting healthier hair, I also want to enjoy the weight loss benefits of drinking enough water. I think it’s time for me to consider getting our own treatment system for our own home and have better drinking water.
Thanks for checking it out! Water is so very important!
Glad I like water!
Reblogged this on Natural Hair Care Tips and commented:
Drink water is good for our body and also to our hair. I love this!
I did a post earlier this week on water’s benefits (it had nothing to do with hair) but I am inspired now even more to make it a larger part of my daily regimen. Thanks for sharing!
Cool! I’m gonna go check out your post as well. I fell off a bit but I’m getting back on track, just for my overall health.
Umm, I’ve been horrible at drinking water this past week. One needs to do better *wags finger at self*
Girl I’ve been slacking since the end of summer! I just don’t crave it as much once it gets cooler for obvious reasons, I guess. I’m def working on it though!
Hello Bella,
I nominated you for the Liebster Blog Award!!!
Please click here for the details: http://islandkynks.wordpress.com/2013/10/30/fun-ideas-liebster-blog-award/
Have Fun Love!!!!!
Thanks girl, this is my motivation to drink more water, terrible at that, so will start now!! Great information.
Smiles!!!
You’re welcome! 😉
🙂