When was the last time you drank 8 glasses of water in one day? Just plain tap, filtered or sparkling water is best.

The average person should consume between 4-10 glasses of water each day, depending on the amount of fluid lost, and the size of your glass. Drinking water restores balance to your body\’s tissues; it keeps us hydrated as well as our bodies working at the optimal level.

Soft drinks and juice contain ingredients such as sugars, sweeteners, and caffeine that disrupt the fluid balance in our tissues and can actually create a dehydrated state.

It is a myth that the more one drinks the more you will use the bathroom. A concentrated amount of urine in your bladder from not drinking enough water, or the presence of caffeine and sweeteners may irritate your bladder and lead to more trips to the bathroom. A good way to know if you are well hydrated is if your urine is clear and odorless.

The standard recommendation is to consume eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. That is a lot more than it seems, though it can be easy to incorporate into your day. Start your morning with a glass of water and end your day with another glass. Drink one at each meal, another with an afternoon snack, one before and after you exercise. That is 8 glasses.

For reference 1 cup holds 8-ounces of liquid, a glass about 4 inches tall, roughly the length of your index finger, holds 8 ounces, a can of soda is typically 12-ounces, and a pint glass is 16-ounces, as well as many plastic soda bottles.

Other good ways to increase your water intake include substituting plain water the next time you think to buy a soda, drink a larger glass of water first thing in the morning and the next time you feel hungry drink a glass of water instead of eating a snack.

Bottled water is a good option, and water from your sink, refrigerator filter or fountain is the best choice. There is a lot of waste produced with each bottle of water; including the materials to make the plastic bottle, label and cap, and the fuel for the truck that brings it to you. Roughly 86% of plastic water bottles are thrown away as trash into our landfills and may take more than 1,000 years to biodegrade.

Reuse your next bottle or buy a reusable bottle locally (aluminum, stainless steel, plastic or glass), all can be cleaned and reused. You don\’t have to spend lots of $$ to get one. A glass bottle with a screw on, ceramic or porcelain cap to drink your water is a great way to minimize consumption while drinking pure water. You can buy a Lorina Juice bottle or similar drink with a ceramic or porcelain cap for approximately $3.99 or a specialty beer, such a Rougue, $6-10. You can then drink the liquid, rinse and re-use. A store bought reusable bottle, such as a SIGG or a Kleen Kanteen, will save you money over the life of the bottle. Even though the packs of 24 and 36 bottles of water at the grocery store may be tempting because they are inexpensive, reusing one bottle is still less expensive.

Using a reusable water bottle is the most economical and environmentally responsible choice, especially since the glass, aluminum and stainless steel bottles can be recycled after their very long life.

If you feel thirsty, take a drink.

Aaron LeBauer PT, DPT, LMBT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist. He owns LeBauer Physical Therapy with his wife Andra in Greensboro, NC and specializes in treating people who want to return to a pain free and healthy lifestyle. Visit www.LeBauerPT.com

Aaron LeBauer PT, DPT, LMBT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist. He owns LeBauer Physical Therapy with his wife Andra in Greensboro and specializes in treating people who want to return to a pain free and healthy lifestyle. Visit http://www.LeBauerPT.com.

Author Bio: Aaron LeBauer PT, DPT, LMBT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist. He owns LeBauer Physical Therapy with his wife Andra in Greensboro, NC and specializes in treating people who want to return to a pain free and healthy lifestyle. Visit www.LeBauerPT.com

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: physical therapy, water, wellness, fitness, advice, health, food