Water is known as the most important energy fuel for the human body. But, In today’s busy world, people did not realize the importance of water in their lives. People used to prefer carbonated drinks over healthy drinks. In this blog we will explore the importance of water and its consequences which lead to dehydration.
Dehydration is the condition in which your body reacts unusually, it will give you certain symptoms like, dry lips, dry Mouth and eyes, dizziness, dark colored urine, headaches, difficulty in concentration, confusion and cramps. Doctors also advised to drink at least 7 to 8 glasses of water to meet the body’s water requirements. Severe dehydration symptoms include, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure and sunken eyes. This condition needs immediate medical help, if such kinds of symptoms are avoided they may lead to severe conditions.
So, now the question arises how much water we should drink to maintain its level inside the body. Because if the amount is too much it leads to overhydration and if it’s too low it leads to dehydration.
To know the optimum need, one should follow the 8×8 rule. Now the question comes to mind : what is the 8× 8 rule and how to follow it? The 8×8 rule is nothing but to remind yourself that you need to provide at least 8 glasses of water daily to your body, to keep it hydrated. But it’s important to keep in mind that every individual is different, hence their requirements are also different, so analyzing your body’s needs is the most important thing. To compensate for the loss of water in the form of sweat. People who live in hot and dry places, require more water. Some medical conditions also demand more water like fever, diarrhea and pregnancy also.
The U.S national academies of science recommends, approximately 3.7 litres total fluid daily for men’s and 2.7 litres for women’s. Many people are not aware of the fact that 20% of hydration comes from water rich foods like cucumber, strawberries and watermelon.
Some tips for busy Americans to meet water requirements.
- Try hydro Flask. This flask has labels on its body that will help you to keep track of your water intake.
- Adding flavor to plain water can help, like adding a lemon to simple water can help in making it more refreshing and soothing.
- Eating healthy local water rich food like celery or oranges and watermelon can help.
- You can set reminders or can use apps like Mywater, to sip hourly.
- You can replace your sugary sodas with LaCroix or spindrift.
The Body’s Internal River: Water’s Vital Roles
Water helps in improving the functioning of the body. Includes,
- When people go for intense workout, it results in sweating. That evaporates and makes people feel cool. Dehydration makes us more overheated and also leads to heat stroke.
- Nutrient Transport: Water gives us important nutrients and oxygen to cells all over your body. Without hydration, cells become hungry of the resources they need to function perfectly.
- Waste Removal: Water plays an important role in flushing out your waste products that are toxins through urine.
- Joint Lubrication: Water allows joints to move smoothly, and reduces the friction of your body functioning. Dehydration gives you joint pain and other problems related to bones.
- Digestive Health: Water is also important for proper digestion. It helps to digest the food into your body through the digestive tract.
- Skin Health: Water is the key for healthy skin and necessary for the hydration of skin, it helps you in gaining natural healthy glow. Dehydration makes skin dry, dull, and wrinkled.
The Ripple Effect: Consequences of Dehydration
The problem due to dehydration can lead to serious health complications or issues. Some usual symptoms for dehydration include:
- Thirst: Thirst is also responsible for dehydration, it’s not always reliable signals, mainly for older adults.
- Dry Mouth and Skin: These are very Common issues.
- Dark colored Urine: Darker urine is the primary symptom that your body is dehydrated and it needs water.
- Fatigue: If your body is in a dehydrating condition, it makes you weak and tired all day.
- Headache: Dehydration leads to painful headaches also.
Conclusion
“Stay hydrated, Stay healthy” hydration acts as a crucial pillar of health. In a nation where more than 75% of Americans come in chronically dehydrated categories, keeping track of water intake plays a crucial role. Monitoring fluid intake supports energy, physical performance and long- term wellness. Listen to Your Body when it gives signals in the form of symptoms. Make a habit of drinking 7 to 8 glasses daily. Always remember water is not just a drink to keep your body hydrated, it is the fuel that your body needs to work properly.