How Much Water Should You Really Drink a Day? | Dr. Josh Axe

Summary

Dr. Axe, a functional medicine doctor and nutritionist, explains the importance of proper hydration for overall health. He recommends drinking 25% to 50% of your body weight in ounces of water daily. For instance, a 160-pound person should drink 40 to 80 ounces of water. He also emphasizes hydration through a balanced intake of fruits, vegetables, and natural sea salts like Himalayan or Celtic salt, which provide essential electrolytes. Lastly, regular exercise helps improve circulation and nutrient absorption. Following these steps ensures proper hydration and overall well-being.

Takeaways

• 💧 Drinking water should be 25% to 50% of your body weight in ounces daily.
• ⚖️ For someone weighing 160 pounds, that's between 40 and 80 ounces of water a day.
• 🧠 Hydration isn't just about water, but also about electrolytes and overall health.
• 🤕 Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, weight gain, and a weakened immune system.
• 🍏 Increase your fruit and vegetable intake to get essential electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, and sodium.
• 🧂 Adding natural sea salt, like Celtic or Himalayan salt, helps balance hydration by providing necessary sodium.
• 🏃‍♂️ Exercise helps circulation, which supports hydration and electrolyte balance.
• 🥗 Aim for 5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily to boost hydration and nutrient intake.
• 🏋️ Exercise at least 3 days a week for 20 minutes to improve overall hydration and circulation.
• 💻 More information on hydration and related topics can be found on Dr. Axe’s website or YouTube channel.

Q & A

What is the recommended daily water intake according to Dr. Axe?

Dr. Axe recommends drinking between 25% to 50% of your body weight in ounces of water per day. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, aim for 40 to 80 ounces of water daily.

Why is hydration important for overall health?

Proper hydration helps prevent headaches, lethargy, weight gain, weakened immune response, and brain fog. It also supports detoxification, energy levels, and general well-being.

What is the first step Dr. Axe recommends for staying hydrated?

The first step is to drink half of your body weight in ounces of water each day. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, aim to drink around 80 ounces of water daily.

Why does Dr. Axe suggest consuming fruits and vegetables for hydration?

Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential electrolytes like magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium, which help in maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance in the body.

What kind of salt does Dr. Axe recommend, and why?

Dr. Axe recommends using all-natural sea salts such as Celtic salt or Himalayan salt because they contain important electrolytes like sodium, which help the body retain water and maintain hydration.

How does exercise contribute to hydration, according to Dr. Axe?

Exercise improves circulation, which helps deliver nutrients and electrolytes to cells, supporting overall hydration and nutrient absorption.

How much exercise does Dr. Axe suggest for staying hydrated?

Dr. Axe suggests exercising at least three times a week for 20 minutes to improve circulation and hydration.

Can you list the four steps Dr. Axe mentions for staying hydrated?

The four steps are: 1) Drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily, 2) Consume 5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, 3) Add natural sea salt to your food, and 4) Exercise at least three times a week for 20 minutes.

What are some symptoms of dehydration mentioned by Dr. Axe?

Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, lack of energy, weight gain, poor detoxification, weakened immune response, and brain fog.

Where can viewers find more information on hydration and related topics?

Viewers can visit Dr. Axe's website at draxe.com and search for articles on hydration and Himalayan salt, or subscribe to his YouTube channel for more health tips.