Water is so important: so crucial for human life that we cannot survive without it. Every cell, tissue, and organ in the body needs water to work efficiently. Without enough water poor health is quickly on the horizon. There are a number of actions that water does for the body, including regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients and electrical signals to cells, lubricating the joints, and flushing out toxins and wastes. According to Dr. Batmanghelidj, author of Your Body’s Many Cries For Water, the body is 25% solid matter, the rest is water. A mere 5% drop in the body’s water levels can cause a 30% loss of energy. Dr. Shannon Allison, Physical Therapist at Restorative Physical Therapy, stresses that hydration is key to healing. "All of the body's life functions occur in a solution of water and ions. The concentration of water is in the tissues and therefore the quality of life promoting activity is controlled by ion and water concentration. Salt, toxins, inflammatory chemicals. etc., steal water from cells and decrease the cell's health. It is relatively easy to ensure tissue health by staying hydrated."
Symptoms of dehydration include little or no urine, or urine that is darker than usual, headaches, dry skin, fatigue & constipation. When you’re dehydrated, toxins are reabsorbed by the body, stressing your liver and eventually weakening your immune system. Water is especially important while cleansing or after intense sweat sessions!
WAYS TO HYDRATE:
DRINK UP!
It is recommended by nutritionists to aim to drink 1⁄2 your body weight in oz. of H20 daily. If this is your goal, you’ll surely be hydrated (as most of us don’t end up hitting that daily target!) Carry a large water bottle with you whenever possible - when traveling or on the go - try your best to drink out of glass water bottles!! Avoid plastic water bottles as most contain BPA’s that disrupt hormones and endocrine function.
WATER FILTERS
While some of us know that drinking enough water is important to our health, the quality of water is often over looked. Today’s water is treated, however, and some harmful chemical and pollutants along with heavy metals and various fertilizers get past the treatment process. Chlorine levels in water have also been shown to decrease vitamin E levels in the body and destroy beneficial intestinal flora. Filtering tap water with a high-quality filter is helpful & there are several companies that offer monthly deliveries of mineral-rich spring water in glass bottles. Dr. Shannon Allison really likes Fiji Water. FIJI Water, according to company's website, is natural artesian water that has the minerals silica, magnesium, and calcium, which contribute to FIJI’s soft mouth-feel and smooth taste.
WHAT DEHYDRATES YOU:
CAFFEINATED BEVERAGES
Coffee, tea, and energy drinks are diuretics, which increase urine flow and flush water from the body, eventually leading to dehydration.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Alcohol is a natural diuretic that depletes your cells of water. This eventually can lead to dehydration (hence the headache the following morning)
SUGARY DRINKS
Drinks with a high-sugar content can increase water loss in your body. Sugary drinks create an acidic environment that can impair enzyme function and decrease your body’s water storage capacity.
To stay properly hydrated, aim to drink 1⁄2 your body weight in oz. daily. This will help to keep your body systems regulated. Don’t like the taste of water? Add lemon or lime essential oils! You can also add cut cucumbers, watermelon, and fresh mint leaves.
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