Why 'Drink More Water' Isn't Enough: A Smarter Approach to Hydration Goals

So you've tried the 'gallon per day' challenge but now you're feeling water logged and your skin is drier than ever.

Yeah, ouch. 

What happened?!

The answer is simple: drinking more water without understanding why you're dehydrated in the first place won't solve all your problems.

It might make them worse.

Before I start adding fuel to your frustration, let me clear things up a bit.

I want to show you what 'went wrong' and why these challenges work for some people but not all the people.

Then from there, you can decide if you want to keep going ahead with that trending water challenge or if you'd rather set a goal that's authentic to YOUR needs.

Because knowledge is power...WHEN you do something to apply it.

If you're like me, your social media feed is filled with everyone documenting their new year challenges. 

From Dry January to One Gallon Per Day, big claims are being made about how your whole life can change with just 'this one simple trick.'

Cool story, bro.

But if we're going to REALLY change our lives, we need to stop looking for quick fixes, fad diets, and the ONE thing that will change EVERYTHING.

However, in a moment of weakness...and the coma of too many holiday carbs...it can be easy to fall into the 'this is going to save me from myself' illusion.

"If I could just force myself to drink a gallon per day I'll have a fewer cravings, I'll have more energy, and I'll lose 3" off my waist...at least, that's what all the influencers are saying..."

While yes, we could all do better at drinking more water, it isn't going to make you miraculously healthier, or fitter. 

Though it may help.

Contrary to popular belief, there's no magical number of ounces that will solve you problems. Your body's hydration needs are as unique as you are. 

This is why a one-size-fits-all approach...like drinking a gallon a day...could have you feeling worse when you're done than when you first started.

And no, feeling incessantly thirsty all the time is NOT a sign 'it's working.'

Which is a common complaint I hear with clients who try these 'hydration challenges.'

See, true hydration goes way beyond how much water you drink every day. 

Factors like activity level, climate, diet, supplement, pharmaceutical drugs, and even stress levels all impact how your body gets and stays hydrated.

So instead of me telling you HOW much to drink so you can be healthy, let's start by asking the most basic question...

Why does PROPER hydration matter?

Proper hydration is a cornerstone of how your body functions at every level. Quite literally put, everything your body does depends on it.

Your body's natural detoxification systems depend on proper hydration to efficiently filter and remove what you don't need while preserving what you do. 

Proper hydration also contributes to your mental performance.

Even mild dehydration can affect your cognitive function. When you're well-hydrated, you're more likely to experience enhanced clarity, sharper focus, and improved concentration throughout your day. 

That afternoon brain fog you struggle with? It's NOT caused by a coffee deficiency, my friend.

Although we'd love to think that. 

It could actually be your body asking for water.

Or if you're already consuming lots of water, it could be a sign you're low in minerals. More on that later...

And how does proper hydration affect your energy?

Hydrated cells are responsible for steady, sustainable energy.

Hydration is essential for your digestive system too. 

It helps your body break down food more effectively, absorb nutrients more efficiently, and maintain regular digestive function. This is why proper hydration at the start of your day will help prepare you for better digestion throughout the day.

And while these are all internal benefits, one of the most visible benefits is how hydration impacts your skin. 

Properly hydrated skin appears more plump and vibrant, with better elasticity and a natural glow. 

Those surface-level effects are a reflection of what's happening at a cellular level throughout your body...

Because proper hydration supports millions of microscopic processes happening every second...optimal health requires optimal hydration.

Now, let's focus on the MISSING link from these challenges...the minerals.

Why do you feel more thirsty, and your skin feels more dry, after drinking a whole gallon of water per day? 

Because either you're washing away the minerals with too much ultra-purified water or you're not consuming enough mineral-rich foods to boost your body's reserves.

Minerals called electrolytes work like microscopic conductors, directing water to where it needs to go in your body. 

Minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium...just to name a few...work together to help regulate how much water your cells retain, support proper muscle function, and maintain your body's fluid balance. 

Without adequate electrolytes, water can pass right through you without being properly absorbed by your cells. Aka...you have to pee every 5 minutes.

So annoying, right?

If you're feeling run down but still consuming plenty of water, take a look at your mineral intake. 

But before we go on, let's address some common myths...

Do you really need 8 glasses of water, or a gallon, per day? 

Maybe. Maybe not.

If you tend to drink a lot of dehydrating beverages like soda, coffee, or energy drinks, 8 glasses of water is the bare minimum. 

If you live in a dry climate or in high altitude, 8 glasses would also be the bare minimum.

But keep in mind, this is also an individual thing.

By learning to listen and take note of how your body looks and feels, you'll have a better idea of when you need more water vs less.

Is clear urine the best way to indicate you've reached optimal hydration?

Actually, no. It may mean you're drinking too much water.

Pale yellow typically indicates healthy hydration. But it's not an absolute gauge. Remember, when you learn to listen to your body...and the ways it moves, feels, and digests...you'll know when you're at just the right level.

But also keep in mind...

Some supplements and medications can change the color of your urine so it's best to learn your body's cues rather than depending on the color to guide you.

Is there really a BEST water to drink?

This one is such a loaded question.

Because what does 'PURE' even mean these days?

Water isn't JUST water anymore.

It's filled with all sorts of toxins like lead, chlorine, fluoride, forever chemicals, and pharmaceutical drug residue.

We all know by now...or at least we SHOULD know...that tap water is not the best source of clean water for drinking.

Filtration is required. But how much?

On the one hand, if you drink RO (reverse osmosis) or Distilled water all day, odds are your body will be depleted of natural minerals that tend to be present in water. These minerals are picked up through streams that run over rocks and pebbles, filtered through sediment. 

It's how nature supported us before we mucked it all up. 

But all of that goes away when we run water through ultra-filtration systems.

On the other hand, if you drink the average filtered water from plastic bottles all day, while this water hasn't been stripped entirely of all minerals, you're most likely being exposed to heavy metals, toxins, and microplastics that you do NOT want to be ingesting.

So what to do?

I'm a huge fan of RO water but with a twist...

I add IN the minerals so my body isn't lacking.

This could mean adding a pinch of Himalayan Pink or Celtic salt to my water. I do this all day, every day.

I also love Drops to remineralize my water and and support cellular health. This is great because fulvic acid also helps also with nutrient absorption and detoxification as well. 

The key is to be PROACTIVE with your hydration rather than passive about it.

Now, if you've been drinking a gallon per day and aren't seeing the results you expected, I'd like to propose a better approach.

One that works toward optimal hydration rather than just basic 'ounces per day.'

Here goes...

Start With a Morning Ritual:

1. Begin with warm lemon water or a cup of Daily Hydration Tea
2. Remineralize your water with salt or Drops
3. Wait 30 minutes before caffeine consumption
   

Once you've got this locked in, move on to diet...

Increase Hydrating Foods and Beverages:

1. Choose more mineral-rich drinks like raw coconut water, raw milk, or fresh pressed (not heat-processed) juices
   
2. Include hydrating foods like juicy fruits and high-water veggies
   
3. Develop the habit of an every color of the rainbow diet
   

And along the way, learn to...

Listen to Your Body

1. Identify your personal thirst signals
2. Monitor energy levels and how they compare to hydration
   
3. Notice and adapt to changes from mood, activity level, season and climate
   

As you keep pushing for better health this year, remember...

Proper hydration is the foundation for everything from energy to detoxification. 

Try not to get discouraged when you feel like you're not getting the same results as everyone else.

Check in with yourself and notice if your results are affected by more than just your water...

Then, adjust accordingly. 

You've got this!