How to make a tree drink water
tree not drinking at all...is there anything we can do??? | The DIS Disney Discussion Forums
mtemm
<font color=teal>Doubly blessed<br><font color=dar
- #1
our christmas tree is beautiful. we got it last friday, put it up and decorated it over the weekend. sadly, it isn't taking in any water. I've never had that happen! is there anything we can do? its a very fresh feeling fraser fir, but I Know if it doesn't start taking in water, that won't last long.
any chance it will last till christmas?
sigh.
eta, we buy from a local farm and had them do a fresh cut. was in water within 20 minutes or so
java
<font color=darkorchid>I am embracing the Turkey B
- #2
You're not going to like this answer but you could recut the bottom.
The Mystery Machine
Sunrise at my house. :+)
- #3
mtemm said:
our christmas tree is beautiful.
we got it last friday, put it up and decorated it over the weekend. sadly, it isn't taking in any water. I've never had that happen! is there anything we can do? its a very fresh feeling fraser fir, but I Know if it doesn't start taking in water, that won't last long.
any chance it will last till christmas?
sigh.
Click to expand...
Did you cut it before you put it up? Always cut it.
You have to cut the bottom.
MIGrandma
Lives in the middle-of-the-mitten.
- #4
java said:
You're not going to like this answer but you could recut the bottom.
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Click to expand...
That's what I was going to say. I know when I was growing up and we had real trees we always made a fresh cut at the bottom before putting it into the stand and adding water.
luvmy3
<font color=green>When I drink I find its easier t
- #5
It sounds like the bottom re-sealed (from the sap) so you'll need to re-cut it.
Swan4Me
DIS Veteran
- #6
I bet most people dont make that fresh cut
tOSU
Mouseketeer
- #7
You can lead a tree to water but you cant make it drink. ..
dyna
DIS Veteran
- #8
I've noticed here in FL home depot an lowes re cuts the tree when you buy it but the grocery stores an etc does not. So if you do not own a saw or know the proper way to use a saw next year you might look to buy tree somewhere they recut tree for you.
Even then the tree needs to be put in water right away before it seals it's self again...any old bucket works for that just don't use your favorite mop bucket as the sap will prolly get on it an is hard to remove.
Disx5
Earning My Ears
- #9
I notice you are in MA, too. We have the same problem.
Bought a balsam, gave it a fresh cut, put it in water. It started losing so many needles, it looked like January when we usually take it down - not early December!
So, thinking it was just a dud, we took it back and got a beautiful frasier fir. Brought it home, gave it a fresh cut, put it immediately in a new stand with plenty of water. Same thing - not taking much at all.
As a last ditch effort, we took everything off the tree last night, put a sheet of plastic on the floor, laid the tree down and cut two more inches off the bottom.
Don't know if it will help but I'm hopeful...
Never had this problem in all the years we've had real trees.
MY THEORY: our unusually warm November dried out all the trees. Normally, the trees here are cut early but they sit around in 30-40 weather (or colder), sometimes snow and ice, etc. Our temps of 50's - 60's plus, and all the sunshine dried out all the trees.
I have a sister that lives in the south and said the trees on their lots sit in buckets of water (probably for that reason???) Ours don't usually sit in water until you give them that fresh cut either at the lot or at home. I wonder if they don't need to since the temperature is usually cold.
Good luck with your tree - I'll be curious to see how others fare with live trees in the Northeast this year!
mtemm
<font color=teal>Doubly blessed<br><font color=dar
- #10
thanks all. I edited my original post to reflect that yes, a fresh cut was given and it was in water very quickly. Disx5, very interesting that you are finding the same thing this year! its so strange. and I know that yeah, we really do need to take it all down, recut, then put it back up, but DH is not on board with that at all. he thinks it will be fine. I think he is sticking his head in the sand on that one, but I have a feeling that is what we will end up doing. we'll see.
so far it is super fresh feeling, but again, I know that is the optimist in me that thinks that is going to make a difference in the next week or two!
will show him these posts and see if he changes his mind.
Alsobrook
DIS Veteran
- #11
Ok, try this:
If you have one of the stands that requires you to screw four bolts into the sides of the tree in the stand. ...
Have someone hold the tree so it doesn't fall.
Unscrew the bolts....
Turn the tree 1/8 turn....
Rebolt the tree.
Fill with enough water to reach the original holes (that's pretty high) and see if it takes on water.
scrapquitler
DIS Veteran
- #12
mtemm said:
thanks all. I edited my original post to reflect that yes, a fresh cut was given and it was in water very quickly.
Disx5, very interesting that you are finding the same thing this year! its so strange. and I know that yeah, we really do need to take it all down, recut, then put it back up, but DH is not on board with that at all. he thinks it will be fine. I think he is sticking his head in the sand on that one, but I have a feeling that is what we will end up doing. we'll see.
so far it is super fresh feeling, but again, I know that is the optimist in me that thinks that is going to make a difference in the next week or two!
will show him these posts and see if he changes his mind.
Click to expand...
I wouldn't be enthusiastic about taking it down, recutting and redecorating either!
Here's an idea. I don't know if it's a GOOD idea or not, but its something I just thought of. I wonder if you could use a turkey baster or something to take the water out of the stand, then take a drill with a big drill bit in it and drill some holes in the sides of the trunk under the level where the water will be (not all the way thru the trunk just part way in). Maybe those drill holes will give the tree a place to suck up the water??
I'm in the camp that says the weather has been warm and it has effected the trees this year. I seem to remember reading something about Hurricaine Irene having some effects on them as well, but I don't remember the specifics.
declansdad
DIS Dad #639 New Brunswick, Canada
- #13
Fresh cut and add a very little bit of bleach or you can get stuff specifically for christmas trees. It helps keep the cut from closing itself off. Do not add very much or it will kill the tree, you only need a few drops. SOme people say lemon-lime will do the same thing.
si-am
DIS Veteran
- #14
We use an additive called Prolong that supposedly encourages the tree to drink more. (You just mix it into the water at the base of the tree). So far so good!
Magic Mom
<font color=teal>EVERYONE has the God given right
- #15
Is the bottom of the trunk flush against the water pan? That might be blocking the water from being drawn up. I would raise the tree a half inch or more, drill a few holes in the sides of the trunk(under the water line) and add an asprin to the water.
Carnie
Derp
- #16
Pretzels.
Grimley
Mouseketeer
- #17
I know from experience that you can take the decorated tree out of the stand, lay it on a sheet and make a fresh cut, and put it back in the stand. You'll have to take off the delicate ornaments, but the rest will just need a little rearranging after it's upright again.
Christine
DIS Veteran
- #18
Just lift the tree out a bit and drill some holes down near the base.
ksjayhawks
DIS Veteran
- #19
My dad always watered with warm sugar water.
What To Do When Christmas Tree Won’t Drink Water? [Keep Chopped Tree Fresh] – Your Indoor Herbs and Garden
Real, living Christmas trees have an aesthetic beauty and fragrance that artificial Christmas trees simply cannot match. But watering a real tree, especially if indoors in a container, is not an easy task! It requires consistency.
The only way to keep a chopped Christmas tree hydrated throughout the holiday season is to 1) remove the layer of sap through a new cut and 2) keep the exposed wood stump submerged in water. If left to dry, the sap seals off the Christmas tree and prevents water absorption.
If you find yourself struggling with a droopy, drying Christmas tree, read on to see how you can turn your evergreen, well, green and happy again.
Table of Contents
- 1 The Correct Way To Water Your Chopped Christmas Tree
- 1.1 Why Won’t My Chopped Christmas Tree Drink Water?
- 1.
2 Do’s and Don’ts in Fresh Christmas Tree Shopping
- 1.3 How Much Water Does A Freshly-Cut Christmas Tree Need?
- 2 More Ways To Keep a Christmas Tree Hydrated and Fresh [Advanced Tips]
- 3 Christmas Tree Species That Retain Water Best
- 4 Christmas Trees as a Fire Hazard
- 5 Takeaways
- 6 Sources
The Correct Way To Water Your Chopped Christmas Tree
Water is your best friend during the holidays. Without it, your Christmas tree won’t stand a chance of looking lively throughout the festivities.
To maintain the maximum health of your tree for Christmas, let’s take a look at the Why’s, How’s, Dos, and Don’ts of watering and choosing your evergreen.
Why Won’t My Chopped Christmas Tree Drink Water?
The root system of a tree not only absorbs water, it also filters the nutrients and synthesizes the hormones which the plant needs.
When you cut off the roots of a Christmas tree, the tree continues to absorb and transport water through a network of “pipes” in its trunk and its leaves for some weeks, yet it is unable to receive the nutrients which only the roots can provide. This eventually weakens and kills the tree.
After cutting down a Christmas tree, the sap flowing out of the fresh wound hardens within 4-6 hours preventing any water uptake through the trunk. To keep your tree alive, saw off an inch off the stump to remove the sap which has sealed and then submerge the tree in a bucket of water.
To avoid fires and to maintain a perky Christmas tree which can hold up its ornaments, you should never allow your tree to dry out. Generally, a tree that has lost more than 85% of its original moisture will not regain its freshness [1].
You can also repeat this approach for a couple of days before Christmas so by then, your tree will be at the peak of its freshness!
Do’s and Don’ts in Fresh Christmas Tree Shopping
Ultimately, how long your Christmas tree can flourish in your house depends on the tree’s freshness upon buying. Therefore, it is important to pick out a tree which is strong and healthy from the beginning.
Keep these in mind when shopping for a freshly-cut Christmas tree:
- DON’T buy old trees. Trees quickly dry out after being cut down. Some retailers will have old stocks of Christmas trees which had been hurriedly distributed for Thanksgiving sales. Choose a reputable grower or seller from your area who will tell you how far away and how long ago the trees had been harvested.
- Do a freshness test. Take a branch and run your fingers from the innermost part, pulling outwards towards the tip. If a lot of needles fall off, that means the tree has been cut for a long time and is beginning to dry. If so, look for a fresher tree. You can also break a few needles. They should feel flexible, moist, and sticky.
- Check the appearance. Fresh trees should have a natural waxy, green look and a fragrant smell. Watch out for droopy branches, yellowing needles, and some peeling bark. Also look out for bugs and spiders.
- Choose a long, straight handle.
The base of the tree should be straight, and at least 6-8 inches long to allow for easy mounting on the tree stand.
- Wrap and secure the tree. On the way home, wrap the tree to keep the wind from drying off the needles. Tie down the tree properly to avoid needle loss from too much shaking.
- Make a fresh cut. Upon arriving home, saw 1 inch off the base of the tree. Immediately let the tree sit in a bucket of water.
- DON’T peel off the bark. When mounting the tree to its stand, make sure you don’t peel off the bark at the base. The bark contains a specialized layer of cells which is responsible for transporting the water to the rest of the tree [2].
- DON’T keep the tree near sources of heat. Choose a display location which is far from vents, fireplaces, windows, televisions and other appliances which can generate heat that will cause the tree to dry out faster.
How Much Water Does A Freshly-Cut Christmas Tree Need?
After sawing off a fresh cut at the base of your Christmas tree, you can now mount the tree on your stand and fill it with water. As a general rule, never allow the water level to go lower than 2-3 inches above the cut. If this happens, make another fresh cut.
A freshly-cut tree will need plenty of water in its first week so it will be ideal to check your stand twice a day.
Judging on height, a 6-ft cut Christmas tree will drink up a pint of water for the first 12 hours, while an 8-ft Christmas tree will consume up to a gallon of water per day. Judging on diameter, a 2-inch wide tree will consume up to 2 quarts of water in a day, while a 4-inch-wide tree will need more than a gallon daily [3].
The amount of water consumption will vary according to the species and size of the tree, and the temperature of the room. In general, if the tree continues to absorb a constant amount of water, it means that the tree is about as healthy as when you first got it. The tree will need less water as it dries.
As long as you properly water and care for your Christmas tree, it can be safely decorated and displayed indoors for at least 2 weeks.
How to keep a Christmas Tree Alive Forever* (*Well, at least until the holidays are over.)
Watch this video on YouTube
More Ways To Keep a Christmas Tree Hydrated and Fresh [Advanced Tips]
To keep a Christmas tree cut (with no roots) fresh for longer it is possible to use 1) sugar and honey in the water mix and 2) use antitranspirant spary on the leaves to limit the loss of water over time.
The tradition of bringing living Christmas trees inside homes has been around for 500 years [4]. Since then, people have come up with creative ways and experiments to nourish their freshly-cut Christmas trees.
A 2005 study done on Douglas Fir and Leyland Cypress trees recommends that the traditional water-holding Christmas tree stand is significantly more efficient than IV- watering devices [5]. Modern Christmas tree stands typically hold a gallon of water which is the same amount that a tree typically consumes in a day [6]. These stands also do an excellent job of keeping the tree steadily upright.
Some people have had success in keeping their cut Christmas tree fresh by adding a tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup in the water. Some others even go as far as adding bleach, aspirin, or soda into the mixture. However, experts caution that using chemicals may have adverse effects on the tree’s health [7]. Usually, water should be enough.
To slow down moisture loss of tree needles, farmers sometimes spray antitranspirant products on the leaves. A 2014 study done on Monterey Pine found that pine needles covered with hairspray retained 90% of their original aspect after 27 days [8].
Christmas Tree Species That Retain Water Best
Having needles scattered all over your house after the holidays is a real hassle. Vacuuming these needles can even become a fire hazard if the vacuum gets too hot. Of course, needle loss is directly correlated to the tree’s capacity to retain water.
After considering the availability of trees in your area and your preference in shape and smell, you can also choose your Christmas tree according to the species’ capability to hold water and subsequently keep their needles.
Research shows that the four varieties of trees which are best for water uptake, sap flow, and needle retention are: 1) Fraser Firs, 2) Balsam Firs, 3) Scotch Pines, and 4) Black Hills Spruce [9].
In general, Fir and Pine trees hold needles better than Spruce trees [10].
Christmas Trees as a Fire Hazard
A dry Christmas tree can go up in flames within a matter of minutes. The National Fire Protection Association states that Christmas Trees are involved in 500 fires per year [11].
Tips To Avoid Disaster – InfographicOther than keeping your tree well-watered, here are a few tips you can follow to avoid a disaster:
- Avoid flammable ornaments. Do not use ornaments such as paper, candles, or pine cones to decorate your tree.
- Use safe, UL-approved lights. Underwriters Laboratories is a nationally-recognized organization which tests lighting appliances and gives them an approval rating.
Also remember to throw away old and faulty bulbs and wires.
- Keep away from heat. Display your tree in a location which is far from vents, fireplaces, and appliances that can generate heat.
- Consider using flame-retardants. You can spray your ornaments with fire-retardant products before hanging them on the tree. The products may contain borax, ammonium sulfate, or calcium chloride [12].
- Turn off lights at night. Do not leave your Christmas lights on when no one is in the room.
Christmas tree - watered vs dry
Watch this video on YouTube
Takeaways
- To ensure maximum freshness, choose a Christmas tree which is recently-cut.
- A sap-sealed stump will not absorb water. A fresh cut must be made at the base of the Christmas tree.
- It is necessary to keep the chopped Christmas tree soaked in water at all times.
- An average Christmas tree drinks up to a gallon of water each day.
- Pines and Firs generally retain water better than Spruce trees.
- Dry trees are extremely flammable and hazardous compared to well-watered trees.
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Sources
[1] https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/bitstream/handle/2142/27944/homecareofchrist1099boli.pdf?sequence=1
[2] https://wtop.com/garden-plot/2014/12/dont-cut-off-your-christmas-trees-bark/
[3] https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/water_is_the_essential_ingredient_in_keeping_your_farm_grown_christmas_tree
[4] https://na-st01.ext.exlibrisgroup.com
[5] https://scihub.yncjkj.com/10.1016/j.postharvbio. 2006.08.011
[6] https://athenaeum.libs.uga.edu/bitstream/handle/10724/33680/ChristmasTrees-December62012.pdf?sequence=1
[7] http://economia-usb.unibas.it/contents/instance7_remap/files/document/5029165AH-66-Commercial.pdf#page=660
[8] https://scihub.yncjkj.com/10.1071/BT14343
[9] https://archive.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/110730624.html/
[10] https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1857&context=extensionhist
[11] https://doctorfire.com/pages/ChristmasTreeFires.pdf
[12] https://books.google.com.ph/books?hl=en&lr=&id=80ZYUESZGJsC&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=how+long+does+a+cut+christmas+tree+stay+fresh&ots=kL0-gJDHrn&sig=mo9QeEdhIP-qdV0ZBre5v_H94Ww&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
12 tips on how to drink more water. How much water should you drink per day.
The human body is 70 percent water. It is used to maintain electrolyte balance, normalize blood pressure levels, maintain ligament elasticity, work joints, regulate body temperature, and also for cell generation. That is why it is so important to drink plenty of water every day.
Despite the fact that many people are aware of this, not everyone can force themselves to drink several liters a day, which, in turn, can lead to dehydration. To avoid this, consider effective methods to increase water consumption.
Determining the needs of the body
The first place to start increasing your water intake is to determine the needs of the body. According to research, to maintain the normal functioning of the body, a person should drink 1920 milliliters of water daily, which is equivalent to 8 cups. Despite this, the National Academy of Medicine recommends drinking at least 3.7 liters of fluid per day for men, while the recommended amount for women is 2.7 liters. In this case, not only ordinary water can be used, but also various drinks, such as tea or coffee.
Please note that the above volumes are recommended for standard living conditions. If you regularly visit the gym or work under the scorching sun, you should consume significantly more water.
Setting goals
To increase your water intake without any effort, you need to set a goal for which you will use the liquid. This will significantly increase the likelihood that you will use water more often and will be able to experience all the benefits of increased consumption.
It is important to note that this approach will only be effective if the set goal meets the following criteria:
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A striking example of such a goal is the primary recommendation of doctors - the desire to achieve a water consumption of 960 milliliters per day. It will be even easier to achieve it if you additionally write down every glass you drink in a notebook or diary. Over time, this goal will become a habit and you will be able to drink enough liquid to meet the needs of the body.
Carrying water with you
Keeping a bottle of water with you at all times can significantly increase your daily fluid intake. This will allow you to meet the body's needs for fluid at any time and in any place.
Scientists note that carrying a bottle of water with you is also an additional visual reminder to drink. Thus, each time, paying attention to this subject, a person will drink at least 100 milliliters, which will significantly increase the volume of fluid intake per day.
Using reminders
You can also use your smartphone to drink more water. To do this, you need to set alarms or reminders for a specific time at which you need to drink some water. Doctors recommend setting the interval between each fluid intake at about 30 minutes.
This method is most effective for people with a high level of employment and for those who simply forget to drink. It provides a constant fluid intake throughout the day and allows you to maintain a normal state of health.
Replacing drinks with water
The most effective way to improve your health by increasing your fluid intake is to replace drinks with plain water. This method also allows you to reduce the amount of calories and sugar consumed. This, in turn, will prevent the accumulation of excess fat, reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and a number of heart diseases. In addition, such a replacement significantly reduces the level of costs, which has a positive effect on your wallet.
Drinking water before meals
Another effective way to increase water intake is to drink fluids before meals. If you eat at least three times a day, this approach will allow you to increase the amount of fluid you drink by at least 720 milliliters.
According to nutritionists, in some cases our body perceives the feeling of thirst as hunger. Therefore, drinking a glass before a meal can more effectively recognize the body's need for food or water. Moreover, this method allows you to reduce the amount of calorie intake, which can also positively affect the state of the body if you want to get rid of excess fat.
Using water filters
Unfortunately, not all tap water is suitable for drinking. Therefore, to ensure that the liquid you intend to consume is always safe for health, experts recommend installing water filters.
Today there are a huge number of devices for tap water filtration on the market, differing both in design and cost. If desired, you can purchase both expensive filtration systems and budget options in the form of small jugs with a filter. These devices will not only protect you from harmful bacteria, heavy metals and various contaminants, but also improve the taste.
If you can't install a filter, consider bottled water. It is practically no different from tap filtered water.
Flavoring
Often the problem of low water consumption is caused by the not very pleasant taste of the liquid. You can fix this with the help of flavors, which allow you to effortlessly increase the daily volume of fluid intake.
The best and safest way to flavor your water is to add fruit. The most popular is the addition of juice products such as lime, cucumber, lemon, kiwi and strawberry to the water. But if you wish, you can use any natural fruit to your taste.
As an alternative, food flavorings in the form of powders or liquids can be used. However, when using them, one should take into account the fact that most of these products contain artificial sweeteners or sugar, which can be detrimental to health.
Drinking water during the working day
If you are constantly at work, the best way to increase your water intake is to use a glass of water every hour. Given that the working day is 8 hours, this approach allows you to increase the amount of fluid consumed per day by about 2 liters.
Water use throughout the day
The desired result can also be achieved by drinking a sip of water every time a feeling of dryness in the mouth occurs. This method, in addition to hydrating the body, also avoids the formation of bad breath.
To implement this method, experts recommend keeping a bottle of water handy at all times. It will remind you to take a sip at the right time.
Water-rich foods
You can also increase your water intake in a more comfortable way by including water-rich foods in your diet. These include:
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In addition to water, these foods are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can have a positive effect on health. Drinking water after waking up and before bed According to studies, morning fluid intake speeds up the process of awakening, and also eliminates bad breath in the mouth.
Conclusion
It is important to drink enough liquid every day to maintain health, namely 2.7 to 3.7 liters of water. However, for one reason or another, for some people, compliance with this recommendation is quite problematic.
Use one or more of the tips above to increase your water intake and you'll be able to replenish your water balance effortlessly. Moreover, you will notice significant improvements in the functioning of all body systems.
SOURCES
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780444536327010078
- https://www.
cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/nutrition/index.html
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28264082/
How to drink water correctly: how much, when, expert advice
Hydrogen, alkaline, coconut, with collagen - new types of water appear on supermarket shelves every day. We asked the experts whether it is worth paying extra for beautiful bottles, how many liters of water we need per day, and how to recognize a real mineral water from the label.
- Water rate per day
- How to drink water properly
- How to drink water by the clock
- How to drink water for weight loss
- How do I know if I'm not drinking enough?
- Should I drink water if I don't feel like it
- When exactly should you drink more?
- Is it possible to get poisoned by drinking too much water?
- What kind of water to drink?
- How much water is in food
Leonid Elkin, author of a patented technique for modeling the figure and face, gynecologist-surgeon of the highest category
Advertising on RBC www.
adv.rbc.ru
How much water to drink: the amount of water per day
Men need to drink from 2.5 to 3.7 liters per day, women - from 2 to 2.7 liters [1] [2] [3].
Nutritionist Ksenia Selezneva:
“There are still no uniform standards in Russia, but there are recommendations - an average of 30 ml per 1 kg of body weight.” According to the leading world organizations, the recommended daily intake of water has been developed, including dishes containing liquid - juice, tea, coffee, watermelon, soup.
Daily water intake - data from three sources [1],[2],[3]
How to drink water correctly
- Drink 2.5–3.7 liters per day for men women.
- A glass of water 30 minutes before breakfast is a good and healthy habit.
- It is best to drink water at room temperature.
- Before going to bed, it is important not to overdo it, this can lead to swelling.
- It is advisable to drink a small amount of water with food.
- Drink more during exercise, on hot days, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and when poisoned.
- One and a half to two hours before training, it is advisable to drink 300-500 ml of water to replenish losses during the day and give time to remove excess fluid before exercise.
- During and after exercise, you need to drink water fractionally, 200 ml every 15 minutes in small sips.
Alexandra Razarenova:
“This is very individual and depends primarily on the somatic state of the person: the cardiovascular and excretory systems (whether or not there are chronic kidney diseases). It is important whether a person has carbohydrate metabolism disorders, how well the diet is properly balanced in terms of the amount of salt (its excess provokes fluid retention, and the time of drinking water no longer plays a key role). To avoid unwanted night awakenings, it is worth drinking most of the water before 18-19hours (3-4 hours before bedtime).
After - limit yourself to an amount not exceeding a couple of glasses.
How to drink water by the clock
Ideally, you should drink your first glass of water on an empty stomach immediately after waking up, for example at 8 am. The second appointment after 2-3 hours - at 10-11 o'clock. The third reception - at 13 o'clock; it is desirable that this be 3-40 minutes before lunch. Meals can also be supplemented with a glass of water, which you will drink in small sips. It is important that we are talking about water, and not other drinks, including tea, coffee or juices. The next glass of water can be drunk at 4 p.m., then at 8 p.m. Before going to bed, focus on individual needs, but try to limit fluid intake.
Nutritionist Ksenia Selezneva:
“There is a hypothesis that by drinking liquid during meals, we dilute gastric juice with digestive enzymes, thereby slowing down the process of digestion. Water does not have time to be absorbed into the walls of the stomach, and the fermentation process starts.
I recommend drinking some water with meals if you feel the need (for example, you are eating rice) or when you need to drink vitamins. The bulk of the liquid is best consumed 30 minutes or an hour after a meal.
Water activates digestive juices and enzymes, accelerating metabolic processes and digestion of breakfast. In addition, the blood becomes less thick, each cell of the body receives a boost of energy and nutrients in time, and the load on the heart is reduced. According to the latest data published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, those who drink at least six glasses of water a day are 41% less likely to have a heart attack than those who limit themselves to only two [4].
"It is not recommended to drink water before going to bed, as the circulation of the lymphatic system slows down, the fluid stagnates, and in the morning you will wake up with swelling" - explains Leonid Elkin.
How to drink water for weight loss
Compliance with the drinking regime really helps to normalize weight.
Water takes up space in the stomach, making you feel full and reducing hunger. Therefore, if you have recently eaten, but want to have a snack, think - perhaps the body does not have enough fluid and it will be enough to drink a glass of water. In one study, 50 overweight women drank 500 ml of water 30 minutes before breakfast, lunch and dinner in addition to their usual water intake for eight consecutive weeks [5]. As a result, doctors confirmed a decrease in appetite, weight and body mass index in the participants of the experiment. A similar study was carried out a year later; the results were similar to [6].
Alexandra Razarenova:
“Water is very important for maintaining a normal weight. It increases calorie consumption (the body spends additional energy on absorption and excretion) and helps get rid of decay products. Make it a habit to drink 1-2 glasses of pure warm water half an hour before breakfast on an empty stomach to complete the detoxification processes that took place at night, to prepare the gastrointestinal tract for eating.
Drink a glass of warm water with a slice of lemon 30 minutes before your next meal. This creates favorable conditions for the outflow of bile (which is important for the proper metabolism of fats and fat-soluble vitamins), helps to stimulate the lining cells of the stomach to release hydrochloric acid, and improves protein absorption. But people with high acidity and a history of peptic ulcers should refrain from drinking acidified water. In addition, water dulls the feeling of hunger - portion sizes are reduced, but enzymatic activity is also noticeably reduced. An hour after eating, you can drink a glass of water.
Properly drinking water, we create optimal conditions for metabolism in the body. Do not replace food with water, sharply reducing the calorie content of the diet. Nutrition should be balanced, appropriate to needs and physical activity. Then the process of changing the composition of the body will be not only useful, but also enjoyable.”
How can I tell if I'm not drinking enough?
Lawrence Armstrong:
“First of all, if you are thirsty, you are already 1-2% dehydrated.
Many people confuse hunger with thirst and overeat. To avoid this, just drink water before you start lunch or dinner.
Second, watch your weight change. I advise you to weigh yourself every day after waking up for a week. If the arrow on the scale shows 500 g less than your average weight, you need to replenish the fluid balance by 400 ml.
Thirdly, it is not superfluous to monitor the color of urine: if it is light yellow or straw, everything is in order, if it is dark, the body retains water, drink more. If your urine is completely colorless several times a week, you are drinking too much. By the way, a migraine and a constant feeling of fatigue are the first signal that the body is experiencing a lack of fluid. Recent studies have shown that when dehydrated, problems with mood, decision-making, and the performance of ordinary tasks begin. This also affects the effectiveness of training: when the body is dehydrated by 1.5%, endurance indicators decrease.”
Chronic fluid deficiency increases the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, and urinary tract infections.
Is it necessary to drink water if you don't feel like it
“Many people think that you should drink water only when you are thirsty, but this is not entirely true. Thirst is usually a signal of dehydration,” explains Selezneva.
The numbers speak for themselves: when a person loses 2% of body weight, he is suddenly thirsty, when the figure is up to 10%, he feels dizzy and hallucinations occur. If a person loses 12% of fluid, he urgently needs medical attention. At a dehydration rate of 20%, death occurs.
Alexandra Razarenova:
“Water is a key component of virtually all processes in the body. And it would be very reckless to underestimate it. According to the latest nutritional recommendations, it is necessary to drink water, focusing on the feeling of thirst. But very often we confuse it with a feeling of hunger, we can be so carried away by any process that we poorly capture the needs of the body not only to drink, but also to eat or sleep.
Excessive thirst is a sign of dehydration. If you do not have the habit of drinking water, you can use special applications on your phone for the first time that send reminders. This will be a good help for the formation of the skill to monitor the use of clean water.”
When exactly should you drink more?
In training. During exercise, you use water much faster than usual. Due to sweating and overheating, it is worth adding another 500-600 ml to the drinking norm. With the loss of fluid, the blood becomes thicker, and it is more difficult for the heart to "drive" it through the arteries and veins. At the same time, the brain and muscles require more oxygen and nutrients. By the way, joint pain can be the result of a lack of fluid in the body, since cartilage is an elastic material, 60–85% water.
Leonid Elkin:
“During sports, the body needs more water. Before training, take a few large sips or half a glass of water, during exercise you can take a small sip of water every 15-20 minutes, after training, drink a full glass of water to restore the water-salt balance in the body.
If it's hot outside , especially if the humidity is too high, you need to replenish the moisture lost through sweat.
When breastfeeding it is necessary to drink more than usual, on average 600-700 ml per day, since milk is 87% water.
During pregnancy, should drink 300 ml more per day because the baby is surrounded by water and needs enough fluid for 9 months.
In case of poisoning. “If a person falls ill, it is necessary to establish a proper drinking regimen. Drink more to remove decay products from the body. Water with lemon and sparkling water works much more effectively for these purposes, ” — explains Elkin.
Is it possible to get poisoned by drinking too much water?
This can happen, and here's why:
- this is an overload on the kidneys, which already cleanse about 1700 liters of toxins from toxins per day;
- the kidneys cannot cope with the additional load, edema will appear;
- Excessive water intake reduces the concentration of electrolytes in the blood, in particular sodium, which maintains a balance between the fluid inside and outside the cells.
What kind of water to drink?
“Soda water is not recommended to drink regularly and in large quantities, as this can adversely affect the condition of the esophageal and stomach mucosa. If you don’t like the taste of ordinary water, you can add lime juice, lemon juice, fresh cucumber, cut into slices, ” says Selezneva.
It leans in favor of purified, alkaline water, as it is known that many pathological processes occur in the body against the background of acidification. And adds:
“According to UNESCO, the cleanest water is in Finland, where you can drink tap water, just like in Switzerland and some other countries. In Russia, this is definitely not worth doing, use filters to purify water.”
Mineral water
Dmitry Korobkov, expert of the Union of Bottled Water Producers, explains how to read the label on bottles:
well number or name of the source (spring, deposit), manufacturer, its legal address and actual address of production, date of bottling of products, expiration dates and storage conditions.
Be sure to specify the conditions for storing water after opening the bottle. The words “purest”, “live” are just marketing. Having poured a glass of water, on the bottle of which “natural mineral” is written, you can be sure that you are drinking water from underground sources (artesian wells or pressure springs), where groundwater does not fall. Its composition is not subjected to chemical treatment, and it reaches the shelves in its original form, with a whirlpool of microelements, which was laid down by nature.”
Leonid Elkin:
“I advise you to drink carbonated water for detoxification and additional mineralization. It contains dissolved oxygen, which has a detrimental effect on the bacteria in the intestine. Carbonated water is also a prophylactic antibacterial agent.
Alexandra Razarenova:
“First, we need to figure out what kind of mineral water we are talking about. For daily use, only drinking, table water and medical table water of low mineralization (up to 2 g / l) are suitable.
Water with a higher degree of mineralization is already used for medicinal purposes in courses after consultation with a specialist.
Next, pay attention to the minerals that make up the composition. Each of them has special properties and helps to solve certain problems. For example, magnesium water is useful for the nervous system, has a sedative and laxative effect, it is an assistant for stress and nervous overload.
Bicarbonate: is suitable for active people, ideal after intensive training - it does not allow the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles, it is indicated for diabetes, kidney diseases, infectious diseases. By the way, most often found on store shelves.
Sulfate: is useful for liver, gallstones and bowel obstruction. It is not recommended to drink to teenagers, as well as people who are at risk for osteoporosis. Another important point is the combined concentration of potassium and sodium. WHO recommends less than 2.
5 g of salt per day, and in some mineral waters the combined concentration of sodium and potassium exceeds 4 g/l. The easiest consequence will be increased swelling, but for people with hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, this concentration can be life-threatening.
If mineral water is simply drinking water with bubbles, then carbon dioxide itself is not dangerous, but it can stimulate the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which negatively affects the health of people with high acidity and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Water with lemon
Leonid Elkin:
“Water in the morning with lemon is an excellent recipe for starting the work of the stomach, energizing and detoxifying. However, people with gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, ulcers), with dental problems (sensitive enamel, stomatitis), and with an allergy to citrus fruits should not drink water with lemon.
It is also important to use it correctly: squeeze a third of a lemon into a glass of warm water, drink it on an empty stomach, 20-30 minutes before breakfast.
During this time, do exercises or morning exercise and only then proceed to breakfast. If you don't like lemon water, don't force your body. Drink simply boiled water at room temperature. You should not drink cold water on an empty stomach, as the body will need to spend energy to warm it in the stomach, and only then will it begin to be absorbed.
Water with turmeric
Alexandra Razarenova:
“Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant. Curcumin (active substance) activates the production of antioxidant enzymes in the cells of the body, which reduces the action of free radicals. Turmeric has a beneficial effect on the immune system. This is the strongest adaptogen that increases the overall resistance of the body and has anti-inflammatory properties.
A drink containing turmeric is a great addition to your diet. It is best to drink it in the morning, after meals and in the form of heat. 1/2 tsp is enough for a glass of warm water.
turmeric. You can add a little black pepper - it catalyzes the action of curcumin. The general course should not exceed 14 days. After that, you need to take a break for a month. But in addition to the proven beneficial properties, there are also a number of contraindications: you can not combine curcumin with taking anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs.
Avoid this drink if you have been diagnosed with gastrointestinal ulcers, erosive diseases, hypotension, type 1 diabetes, and gallstones.”
Useful properties and harm of turmeric: scientific research
Alkaline, hydrogen and watermelon water
“As for the use of newfangled alkaline, hydrogen water and others, no serious clinical studies have been conducted on this subject yet. It is unlikely that such water can be harmful to health, but you should not expect miraculous properties from it either.0285 - Ksenia Selezneva is convinced.
Leonid Elkin:
“Many experts believe that alkaline water (alkaline water) is good for health.
It prevents the occurrence of diseases, inhibits the aging process, does not allow free radicals to form, and removes toxins. Hydrogen is a powerful weapon in the fight against free radicals, it helps to launch the synthesis of collagen and elastin. I would recommend introducing this water into your diet. Water with aloe quickly penetrates the cells, providing an improvement in calcium metabolism. There is a strengthening of the body's defenses, the immune system.
Watermelon water is more of a refreshing drink. It contains vitamin C, E and vitamins of group B. Chlorella algae in the composition of water rejuvenates the body, has an anti-inflammatory effect, strengthens the immune system, and also normalizes blood glucose levels.
Collagen water is water with collagen dissolved in it, but scientists are still debating whether it penetrates the cells. At the moment, this is more of a marketing category, as with hyaluronic acid in pill form.
But water with probiotics is a super thing. A very working story to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, normalize metabolic processes and detoxify the body. And yet, I would not advise completely switching to any such water, if only because we do not have a genetic predisposition to drink, for example, only coconut water.
Coconut water
Coconut water contains natural electrolytes, potassium and sodium, which are key ingredients for rehydrating our bodies.
“It is good for strengthening blood vessels, improving the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizing the water-salt balance in the body,” notes Elkin.
Electrolytes are important for the normal functioning of the nervous and muscular systems, which is why athletes often drink fortified or sports drinks. The advantage of coconut water in comparison with them is naturalness and the absence of dyes and sugar.
9 ways to use coconut oil
How much water is in food
According to The USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference [5], the water content of foods is: Jephta:
"Water itself produces up to 60% of collagen protein, so if you drink enough water, this is the first step to improve the skin.