What is proper hydration and why does it matter?
Every part of the human body depends on adequate hydration to function properly from your skin to your brain. We need 6-8 cups of water daily to maintain good hydration. Any extra activity might mean we require more. The lungs use about 2 cups minimum and the dryer the air is around us, the more they will use. The intestines and kidneys use about 6 cups minimum. We can lose up to an estimated 8-10 cups of fluids daily. We need to make up for that by the foods that we eat and drinking lots of water throughout the day.
We can lose up to an estimated 8-10 cups of fluids daily
How do I know when I’m dehydrated? If you feel thirsty you most likely are already slightly dehydrated and will need to take in extra fluids to try to rehydrate yourself. We cannot always depend on the body to clue us in. Young children and older adults may never feel thirsty. But they still need to hydrate themselves. Severe symptoms of dehydration can be crankiness, dizziness, and confusion. You might also experience fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps. Staying hydrated will help us be at our best throughout the day.
Water is the best source of fluid replacement
If you are an athlete, it is crucial to be able to perform at your best. Water is the best source of fluid replacement. Not only does it keep you hydrated, but it also aids the body in the removal of toxins. Without water, the kidneys are unable to remove toxins, wastes, and salt from the blood. The risk of kidney stones also increases. Herbal teas are another good choice, second to the best choice of water. Juices and sodas will hydrate to some extent but the high sugar content is not desirable. They should never be your first choice and avoided if possible. High levels of caffeine act as a diuretic. Keep this in mind when drinking large amounts of Mountain Dew, as this may completely defeat your efforts in staying hydrated. Food can provide hydration to the body as well. Fruits and vegetables certainly contain water and will help hydrate you. Some good choices would include watermelon, oranges, and grapes.
Only high level athletes need to replace fluid loss with a sports drink
Drink fluids BEFORE exercise.
Don’t go into a workout or period of competition dehydrated! Your body will not be able to catch up during the event. Drink water during the workout and after. This will help avoid dehydration and keep you feeling and performing at your best. Only high level athletes need to replace fluid loss with a sports drink. Gatorade was actually created for the Florida Gators college football team to help replace the excess fluids they lost during practices and games. Its purpose was also to replace lost electrolytes. Electrolytes are present in the human body, and the balance of the electrolytes in our bodies is important for normal function of our cells and our organs. Familiar electrolytes that are measured by doctors with blood testing include sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate.
Water = the MOST ESSENTIAL nutrient
Water is your body’s most essential nutrient, is involved in every bodily function, and makes up 70- 75% of your total body weight. Water helps you to keep body temperature, metabolize body fat, helps in digestion, lubricates and cushions organs, transports nutrients, and flushes toxins from your body. Everyone should drink at least 64 ounces per day, and if you exercise or are overweight, even more. Your blood is approximately 90% water and is in charge of transporting nutrients and energy to muscles and for taking waste from tissues. That is why a dehydrated body will not function at its best.
Go get a glass of water now and hydrate yourself!
