Could you be dehydrated?
Most of us do not connect sickness with being dehydrated, and yet it is a common culprit.
When I worked in an office, my idea of staying hydrated was drinking coffee and diet Coke throughout the day. Water simply wasn’t on my radar. Based on how little water others drink, I’d say it doesn’t rank as radar-worthy for a lot of people.
NOW HEAR THIS:
Sodas, beer, coffee, or alcoholic beverages
DECREASE your body’s fluid levels,
they do not increase them.
Dehydration can be a serious, life-threatening condition. You could be feeling very, very sick and your symptoms are directly related to a lack of water.
There are a few basic things people can do every day to improve or maintain their health; staying hydrated is a big one.
On average, people should be consuming about half their body weight in ounces of water every day,
preferably filtered or purified. As an example, someone who weighs 140 pounds should drink about 70 ounces of hydrating fluids per day.
Why is water so important?
About 50 to 70% of our body weight is made-up of water. If we don’t consume enough of it each and every day, the body can quickly become dehydrated and the various internal systems cannot do their jobs. If the body is deprived of water long enough (about 3 days depending on other factors), things start shutting down in the body and we die.
A few of the important functions water serves in the body includes:
- acting as a lubricant for joints
- lubricates the food we eat so swallowing is easy and food gets digested properly
- helps with absorption of nutrients from food we eat
- removes wastes
- helps in production of blood and regulation of blood pressure
- it is required in every chemical reaction during the digestive process
- it is required for regulation of body temperature
Common health conditions are often linked to dehydration, such as:
Mental confusion
Decreased motor control
Memory difficulties
Problems with attention span
Fatigue
Inability to lose weight
Urinary tract infections
Digestion disorders
Dehydration can have such a dramatic impact on the human body that it can easily be mistaken for dementia in the elderly (McGuire & Beerman, 2013).
What is the best way to maintain proper fluid levels? It’s simple. JUST DRINK WATER.
Fluid levels will increase slightly by eating certain types of fruit, meats, and drinking herbal teas, but it’s not enough to thoroughly hydrate you.
Also, watch out for foods that are DE-hydrating, such as chocolate, alcoholic beverages, foods high in protein, asparagus, certain types of herbs, and any food or beverage that contains caffeine.
Make a mental note to yourself not to wait to drink water until you’re thirsty. By the time you notice being thirsty, your body is already dehydrated.
Some Habits Are Hard to Change
Correcting your fluid intake is a tough habit to change! I recommend purchasing one or two water containers (preferably glass or a hard plastic) and get in the habit of carrying it with you wherever you go.
Know how much water it contains and calculate how many times each day you need to empty it and refill it in order to reach the number of ounces you should be drinking.
And parents, please don’t forget about your kids! Dehydration can make them just as sick as an adult, and water is essential for healthy development of a child’s brain, muscles, bones and other organs.
So start drinking H2O! Prevent dehydration. You will put your health on a fast-track to well-being, while providing a much-needed nutrient to every cell in your body. You’ll notice the difference, just watch.
Until next time, wishing you health and happiness!
Note: This information is provided as a resource and for educational purposes only. These recommendations are not intended as a substitute for consulting a physician or licensed healthcare practitioner. Individuals dealing with a serious or chronic health issue should consult with your doctor before beginning a nutritional program, taking supplements, discontinuing medications or eliminating foods from your daily diet. This information is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor or to diagnose any health condition.
References:
McGuire, Michelle and Beerman, Kathy A. (2013, 2011) Nutritional Sciences, From Fundamentals to Food, Third Edition. California: Wadsworth Cengage Learning