Most people drink more water in the summertime; since that is the season we tend to be most active. During this time, temperatures are elevated and we sweat more frequently. In actuality, it’s just as important to drink ample amounts of water in the winter. Just because it’s not hot out and you’re not working up a sweat doesn't mean that you don’t need water. One way to help you remember to drink more is to always carry a bottle of water with you in the car, at the office, etc. – make it a habit! You should be drinking at least half your body weight in ounces of water daily. For example, if you weighed 150 pounds, you should drink at least 75 ounces (a little more than a half-gallon) a day.

Ever experienced water retention? It's not because you drank too much water...it's just the opposite. Our bodies are designed to have a balanced ratio of salt and water. When this ratio isn't balanced, our brains instruct the kidneys to increase the salt and water retention and this is how edema (swelling/water retention) occurs. More salt doesn't mean to increase your table salt intake, it means to incorporate unrefined sea salt into your water on occasion. I use Celtic Sea Salt and it's great not only for water absorption to the cells, but it aides in digestion and helps to eliminate toxins. So, next time you have a headache or think you're hungry, ask yourself if you're thirsty instead. That's the question your body probably wants answered. Drink a tall glass of water and your body will thank you over and over again as water is the single most critical factor to health and well-being.