Water is essential for life, yet many people do not consume enough of it on a daily basis. According to a study by Harvard University, more than half of American adults do not drink enough water on a daily basis, which can lead to dehydration and a range of health problems . To tackle this issue, many people have turned to the 30-day water challenge, which involves drinking the recommended amount of water for a month to help establish healthy habits and improve overall health and wellbeing. In this article, I share my experience of trying the 30-day water challenge, including the benefits and difficulties that I encountered during the challenge.
Benefits of Drinking Water
Drinking enough water is crucial for our overall health and wellbeing. Water helps to keep our bodies hydrated, flush out toxins, regulate body temperature, and keep our organs functioning properly. According to the American Heart Association, drinking water can also help to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as lower the risk of developing kidney stones, bladder cancer, and colon cancer . Drinking water can also help to improve mental clarity and focus, as well as boost energy levels.
The Recommended Amount of Water
The recommended amount of water varies depending on age, gender, and activity level. According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), men should aim to drink approximately 3.7 liters (125 ounces) of water per day, while women should aim to drink approximately 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of water per day . However, this amount can increase for individuals who are physically active or live in hot and dry climates.
My 30-Day Water Challenge Experience
Before starting the 30-day water challenge, I was consuming less than the recommended amount of water per day. I knew that I needed to increase my water intake, but I struggled to do so because I was not used to drinking water throughout the day.
During the challenge, I focused on drinking the recommended amount of water per day, which was challenging at first. However, I found that drinking water with meals and carrying a refillable water bottle with me helped me stay on track. I also set reminders on my phone throughout the day to drink water and took notes of my water intake to hold myself accountable.
As the days went on, I noticed a significant difference in how I felt. I had more energy, improved concentration, and my skin looked better. I also felt less hungry throughout the day, which helped me to make healthier food choices.
Challenges of the Water Challenge
While the benefits of the 30-day water challenge are clear, there were also some challenges that I encountered during the challenge. For example, I found that I needed to go to the bathroom more often, which was inconvenient at times. Additionally, I found myself craving other drinks, such as soda and coffee, especially in the first week. However, I was able to overcome these challenges by staying focused on my goals and reminding myself of the benefits of drinking water.
Conclusion
Overall, I found the 30-day water challenge to be a positive experience that helped me establish a new healthy habit. Drinking the recommended amount of water per day had numerous benefits for my overall health and wellbeing, and I plan to continue drinking this amount of water moving forward. While there were some challenges along the way, I found that staying focused on my goals and reminding myself of the benefits of drinking water helped me to successfully complete the challenge.
Sources
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, More than half of American adults don't drink enough water.
- American Heart Association, Staying Hydrated – Staying Healthy
- Institute of Medicine, Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate.
