You’re Probably Dehydrated (And Don’t Even Know It)

Most people think they drink enough water—but research suggests that up to 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. And the symptoms aren’t always obvious. Dehydration can show up as fatigue, brain fog, dry skin, headaches, irritability, muscle cramps, or trouble focusing.

It’s one of the simplest areas of wellness to work on—and one of the most overlooked.

How Much Water Do You Actually Need?

A common guideline is the "8x8 rule"—eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day (about 64 oz total). That’s not a bad baseline, but it’s not one-size-fits-all.

A more accurate recommendation is:
➡️ Half your body weight in ounces per day
(So, a 150 lb person would aim for 75 oz daily)

If you’re active, spending time in the heat, breastfeeding, drinking caffeine or alcohol, or feeling under the weather—you likely need even more.

You don’t need to obsessively track every ounce, but it’s worth checking in with yourself:

• Are you drinking consistently throughout the day?

• Are your lips dry? Is your urine dark yellow?

• Do you crash in the afternoon or wake up feeling sluggish?

These can all be signs that you’re not getting enough.

Water Is Just the Start

Drinking water is essential—but hydration also depends on how your body absorbs and uses that water. This is where electrolytes (like sodium, potassium, and magnesium) come in.

If you’re drinking water and still feeling off, try:

• Adding a pinch of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon to your morning water 🍋

• Eating water-rich foods like cucumbers, oranges, and berries

• Spacing your water intake throughout the day, not chugging it all at once

• Balancing caffeine and alcohol with extra hydration support

• Watching for signs like low energy, brain fog, or headaches

No expensive powders or gadgets required—just a few simple upgrades.

Why It Matters

Hydration supports nearly every system in your body. It helps with:

• Energy levels

• Digestion and metabolism

• Focus and memory

• Joint and muscle function

• Stress regulation

It’s something I talk about with nearly every client—because when your body is well-hydrated, it functions better. Period.

The Bottom Line

If you’re feeling off, start with the basics. Ask yourself:
Have I had enough water today—and is my body actually absorbing it?

You might be surprised how much better you feel with something this simple.