I am on Day 11 of our 2012 monthly challenge. I started New Year's Eve. And in case you don't know what this challenge is, it's a water challnege. Specifically drinking half your body weight in ounces in water every day. Yes, that's a lot. And I am constantly running to the bathroom, but that is the only downside. I definitely have more energy and feel less hungry. I am hoping my body eventually gets used to the water intake and I don't have to go as much! One of our patients asked a good question: "What color should my pee be?"  Good question! The color of your urine is directly linked to hydration status because the yellow tint is a measure of how many solid particles (sodium, chloride, nitrogen and potassium) are excreted. The intensity of the color depends on how much water the kidneys mix with the solids. Less water = darker urine. More water = lighter urine. Light yellow urine is the best and is a sign that you are adequately hydrated. (Remember that some vitamins, particularly B and C can turn your urine bright yellow, so don't be alarmed). When you first wake up in the morning, your urine is darker, right? You haven't had anything to drink all night so that makes sense. That's why it also makes sense to drink lots of water right away in the morning (yes, before your coffee) to replenish the fluids lost during sleep. Aim for half your body weight in ounces each day and more if you exercise heavily. Gotta run to the bathroom and then fill up my water bottle!

Happy drinking!

Dr. Carla