Water makes up more than half of our body weight so staying hydrated and making an effort to meet our daily water intake goals is crucial to avoiding the consequences of dehydration! Your body can lose water through going to the bathroom, sweating, being sick, when you breathe, engage in physical activity, and when the weather is really hot.
Why is Hydration So Important?
The simple task of drinking water is key as it keeps our bodies hydrated helping our hearts pump blood easily though the blood vessels to the muscles. Water also allows the muscles to work efficiently!
How Much Water Should I Be Drinking?
Everyone should aim to drink 6 to 8, 8-ounce glasses of water every day! However, some may require even more water to stay hydrated depending on your body’s needs and conditions.
Medical conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, may mean you need to drink more water. If you are someone who perspires heavily, then you’ll need to drink more water than someone who doesn’t. Those with cystic fibrosis contain high concentrations of sodium in their sweat so drinking lots of water is a must! In addition to this, some medications can act as diuretics which causes the body to lose more fluid.
You can also be at higher risk of dehydration if you exercise at a high intensity for long periods of time, have kidney stones or bladder infection, are pregnant or breastfeeding, and are trying to lose weight. Older adults are also at higher risk for dehydration. As you get older, your brain may not be able to send signals of thirst as your brain may have a harder time sensing dehydration.
Signs of Dehydration
Dehydration can lead to serious problems ranging from headaches to being swollen to heat stroke. Signs of dehydration include:
- Little to no urine.
- Darker Colored Urine.
- Sleepiness and Fatigue.
- Extreme Thirst.
- Dry Mouth.
- Headaches and Migraines.
- Lightheadedness.
Tips For Staying Hydrated
If drinking water is a challenging task for you or maybe you don’t like the taste of water, below you can find some tips to help stay hydrated so your body can run more smoothly.
- For those who do not enjoy the taste of water, try infusing your water with fruit or add some Squeeze Dried Powder for a boost of flavor!
- Carry a reusable water bottle around.
- Drink a glass of water before, during, and after a workout.
- Thirst is often confused with hunger so when you’re feeling hungry, drink a glass of water before your meal.
- Create a water drinking schedule and track it. For example, drink water when you wake up, with all of your meals, and when you go to bed.
- Daily Water - App that reminds you to drink water and tracks your intake.
References
https://familydoctor.org/hydration-why-its-so-important/
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/staying-hydrated-staying-healthy