We all know how important drinking enough water is, but do we really know just how important it truly is? And do we really believe it?
Doctors say that 75% of all Americans are chronically dehydrated. So if we believed that drinking enough water was so crucial to our health and well-being, then a majority of us would be drinking more of it!
Let’s take a closer look at just how important water can be.
This post is brought to you by Polar Bottle, the maker of the official water bottle of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. Polar Bottle provided products to facilitate this review, but all opinions are 100% mine and not influenced by Polar Bottle. There are also affiliate links in this post. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Read our full disclosure policy here.
Dr. Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, M.D., an internationally renowned researcher, author and advocate of the natural healing power of water, first experienced the healing power of water while treating a fellow prisoner during the Iranian Revolution:
One night, Dr. B. had to treat a fellow prisoner with crippling peptic ulcer pain. With no medications at his disposal, Dr. B. gave him two glasses of water. Within eight minutes, his pain disappeared. Read the full story >>
After his release from prison in 1982, he fled Iran and came to America, where he began further research that led to his ground-breaking book, Your Body’s Many Cries for Water. His work shows that dehydration actually produces pain and even degenerative diseases, including:
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Back Pain
• Colitis
• Hypertension
• Angina
• Adult-onset diabetes
• Lupus
• Migraines
• High blood cholesterol; and
• Multiple sclerosis
His message to the world is:
“You are not sick, you are thirsty. Don’t treat thirst with medication.”
You can read much more about UCD, Unintentional Chronic Dehydration, and Dr. Batmanghelidj’s work on his website, The Water Cure.
I personally became much more focused on healthier living in college, when I began working on drinking more water.
Confession: I wasn’t crazy about drinking water at the time.
I found it easier when it was really cold and had been purified. No spring water for me. I learned that bottled water isn’t regulated and a large percentage of bottled water is believed to be nothing more than tap water.
As the years have gone by since college, drinking more water has become easier and there are definitely times when it’s what I’m craving. Nothing satisfies thirst like water. And in fact, some other types of drinks will actually dehydrate you.
The importance of hydration is a major focus of the Beyond the Freshman 15 program developed by myself and my friend and partner, Valerie, of Scrumptious Moms. We published our Freshman 15 Survival Guide recently as phase one of our program. Phase 2, the launch of an exclusive membership site, begins in less than two weeks!
We wanted to find a great water bottle to recommend to college students headed back to school this fall that they could carry with them around campus to make sure they stay hydrated, which we know will help them not only physically (as they work to #BeatTheFreshman15 or #ReverseTheFreshman15) but also academically.
If you’re not at your best physically from dehydration, you will also not be at your best mentally and cognitively.
As I began looking at water bottles, I was especially impressed with Polar Bottle for a number of reasons:
1. They are made of BPA-free materials.
[Screenshot image from PolarBottle.com, used with permission]
2. Each bottle is made in the USA, eco-friendly, easy to clean with a removable valve, and comes with a lifetime guarantee!
[Screenshot image from PolarBottle.com, used with permission]
3. They are the maker of the “Official Water Bottle of the Pro Cycling Challenge” … if top athletes are relying on them as they train and compete, students can rely on them as they study and prepare for success!
4. Each bottle is insulated to keep water cold for longer and has a convenient carry strap.
5. I also loved how many different designs and sizes they have available! There are smaller, 12-ounce sized designs, medium sized 20-ounce and 22-ounce and then larger 24-ounce sizes.
Not only that but you can customize your style of choice with a monogram or a photo if you would like.
[Screenshot images from PolarBottle.com, used with permission]
My son loves monster trucks, so we will be getting him this one:
[Screenshot image from PolarBottle.com, used with permission]
They sent us some bottles for review and some giveaways for our Beyond the Freshman 15 membership site launch. I couldn’t have been happier to find one with a design in my favorite color … purple, as you may have noticed in the image above of me drinking from mine!
Although, I have to be honest, I was torn between it and the American flag design, being that I’m a super patriotic gal. And the one Valerie chose for her review is a fun, colorful design I loved as well. She will be publishing her review on Scrumptious Moms soon if you would like to keep an eye out for it.
I loved the 24-ounce size of the one I chose because this, of course, means it will hold 3 8-ouunce-glass servings of water in it. I only need 47 ounces per day, so if I fill mine up twice during the day my daily water need is covered and it makes it easy for me to keep track of how much of that I have consumed so far each day. Perfect!!
I had trouble removing the valve at first, but the Polar Bottle website has you covered with helpful information in their FAQ section. I enlisted Chef John’s help thinking his greater upper body strength might be needed, but after reading that information he quickly informed it has nothing to do with strength but “technique”. He demonstrated once for me and I was then able to remove it myself. They’ve also got a great video for those who prefer a demonstration:
It fits perfectly in the cup holder in my car.
I really can’t think of a thing I didn’t like about my Polar Bottle! Both of my children will have their own smaller sized ones very soon, as we constantly work as a family on drinking more water.
Do you drink the recommended amount of water for you each day? Do you know someone who may be unknowingly suffering from UCD?
Which Polar Bottle design do you like most?
Please share this information with them! Use the orange share bar to the left of the post for easy sharing!!
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About the Author
Adopted at age 2, grew up in the Charlotte, NC area. Obtained Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University. Loves being a Mom of two and taste-testing Chef John's culinary creations and sharing them with readers.
Wow I knew water was good for you. It’s amazing that it can help with so many sickness. Stayinh hydrated is so important. I need to see if these bottle are in my area. They offer alot of cool features.
Yes, Onica! Actually … I totally forgot to include in my post that you can order straight from their website:
http://shop.polarbottle.com/polar-bottle-shop/
So if you can’t find them locally you can definitely still get one directly from them if you’d like!
and this is why I always have a bottle of water with me - so I can be hydrated and drink more water daily
Aisha Kristine Chong recently posted…Prom Dresses for your Body Type
That looks like a great water bottle. So many people are so dehydrated nowadays.
Dawn McAlexander recently posted…Planting, Growing, Pruning: The Ultimate Guide To Fresh Herbs
Only recently did I start drinking a lot more water daily. I have to be very conscious of it, because I can go several hours without drinking anything. It’s becoming a bit more easier to keep on top of it now and I have to admit, I do feel better physically.
Tami recently posted…I will never forget this day…
It’s definitely easy to let the time slip by before you realize you haven’t been drinking water lately …. I think it truly does take an increased consciousness about it, Tami!
I saw these in the store the other day. I wondered if they worked well. I am going to have to try them out.
Toni recently posted…Join The #KraftFoodsCheeseburger Summer Memories Twitter Party On 8/14! $200 In Prizes!!
Everything sounds great. I’m going to try and come back for the giveaway.
I definitely need to up my water intake. I never hit the recommended!
Krystal recently posted…Mango Rum Punch: #SharkWeek Inspired Sips
I’m sure I don’t drink enough water. I try mixing it with with a few squeezes of lemon and lime, just to keep it interesting and help get half of my body weight down each day. It’s tough though!
Robin recently posted…7 Tips to Keep Busy Kids Active and Healthy
It really is tough! I don’t focus too strictly on a certain amount but just try to drink more with half my body weight in ounces being the goal. Some days I do better than others but I’m a lot better than I used to be since I began making a conscious effort at least!!
I know I am more on the dehydrated side, always have. I do try to drink more though…
Annie recently posted…Jamba Juice Smoothie Kit Review
I had never heard of Polar Bottles! Thank you for the review- I will have to check them out!
Carly from The Puzzled Palate recently posted…Leading a double life… as a blogger! #TypeACon
Glad to get to introduce them to you, Carly!
Some days I get it but some days I do not. An issue I have is coffee and it dehydrating me!
Yes, Amanda, coffee is definitely one of those that will dehydrate you! I love some coffee in the morning but I always make sure to try to drink some water after my coffee to avoid it.
I know people that don’t like drinking water! I love water. I need to get a polar bottle for when at work.
Marielle Altenor recently posted…Terry Treetop Ebook review
Hope you love yours as much as I did mine Marielle!!
This is interesting. I’m horrible at drinking enough water. I need to work on that.
Amber NElson recently posted…5 Time Saving Household Cleaners
I have started to drink water more and more. It really doesn’t come very easy to me
Veronica recently posted…The Casa Vilora Interiors Great Summer Give-Away!
Good for you Veronica … I think it will get a little easier the more you “work on it” (at least it did for me).
Water is so important to staying healthy. I can’t live without 8 to 10 glasses a day.
becca recently posted…Monday Music Moves Me 8-11-14 #music
Wow, Becca … you are a water drinking rockstar! 😉 I rarely have heard anyone who finds it easy to do it but sounds like it definitely is for you. Good for YOU!
We go through water bottles like crazy. I need something durable and attached to my hip! lol
Love those photo bottles! I definitely need to drink more water.
Lois Alter Mark recently posted…my buick bucket list trip: the grand ole opry
I’m always drawn to photo things, Lois! Those would be perfect for parents and grandparents to show off a brag book pic.
I know i do not drink nearly enough water each day. Thanks for the great info. I love the personalized bottles.
I like the one with the flowers because it has some great colors and is vibrant. I would love to have this to take with me in the car.
Tough Cookie Mommy recently posted…Upgrade Your Bathroom Experience! #TuiteaDesdeElTrono @CharminLatino #Partner
I know I don’t drink enough water and I am constantly trying to be mindful of that.
Heather recently posted…SNICKERS® Bar Dip #Chocolate4TheWin #Shop
I have to admit that I don’t drink as much water as I should especially during the summer. I really should though. These seem to be good water bottles, will have to check them out.
Water is important to keep yourself hydrated, drinking tons of sodas will never hydrate you.
I have never heard nor seen the Polar Bottle, but… I take a water bottle with me wherever I go. If I forget it, I feel like I lost something. Fresh clean water is very important to my health.
Terry recently posted…Gravity Defyer Womens Scossa XT Athletic Shoes Helping With Plantar Fasciitis and Metatarsal Problems
I have just recently been making sure that I have been drinking more water which I know is important.
Kay Adeola recently posted…Music Monday!
I really like the purple one. I will have to look into these to take when we go hiking. My daughter gets migraines occassionally, and we finally figured out that they were happening when she wasn’t drinking enough water.
Jen V recently posted…Family-Friendly Things to Do in Chattanooga
Oh my goodness, Jen! I’m so glad you figured it out and can do something about it that won’t require medicine!!
I probably don’t drink the recommended amount, and I say that because I normally don’t keep count of number of glasses and such. I do drink water often, though!
Kristen from The Road to Domestication recently posted…How to Deal With a Dirty Dishwasher
I try to stay up on the amount of water I drink because I’m breastfeeding. I really do feel it if I’m not drinking enough water in the day. I love the purple designs.
Kori recently posted…Change in Progress
I do remember how it was especially important while nursing, Kori! Seems I’m not the only one who loved the purple!!
My oldest son has been wanting one of these because of their being insulated. I am curious as to what they are insulated with and how you would clean them. I love the idea so I will have to look into it more before we could purchase them.
They are top-rack dishwasher safe, Jennifer, but mine was too tall to fit in my top rack so I washed it with dish soap and warm water. If you get a smaller one it will fit fine. Will have to check on the question about what they are insulated with … I’m not sure about that!
Here’s the response I got from Polar Bottle on your questions Jennifer!
Glad to hear that you are getting feedback from readers! A lot of those questions are answered in our FAQ section of our website:
http://polarbottle.com/frequently-asked-questions/
You can clean the bottles with hand soap and hot water, or you can place the bottles in the top rack of the dishwasher. Here are two videos on this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaXeFlMMzLA
In regards to the insulation:
Polar Bottle water bottles are comprised of two layers of plastic, with an liner (also where the graphics are) in between the two layers of plastic. This dual-wall construction is what creates the insulation property of the bottle. The liner is a Mylar-like material that helps reflect sunlight as well.
The insulating power of the bottle will obviously vary based on the conditions it’s being used in. High temperatures, direct sunlight, and even high ambient humidity can all affect how long your water stays cold. Even in hot conditions, however, the Polar Bottle® will easily keep your drink cold more than twice as long as a standard single-wall, uninsulated bottle.
I definitely need to drink more water, I do try to drink some everyday. I will admit that I am a sweet tea addict and I know this is bad and I have cut back but…… Love these bottles though!
Rena McDaniel-The Diary of an Alzheimer’s Caregiver recently posted…CAREGIVING IS A LIFETIME OF CHANGE
Here’s what I do Rena … maybe it will help you cut back?!
I limit myself to having sweet tea when we eat out (unless I want something different when we eat out). Most restaurants where I’ve had water it didn’t taste like purified water, so it was pointless trying to drink water while eating out usually. So I just use that as my “allowance” for having other things that I don’t normally have. We only eat out 1-2 times a week and it works well for not getting too much of that kind of beverage!