The clinical definition of dehydration is a condition where the body loses too much water or fluids. Did you know that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated? This indicates a lack of fluid in the body, which has serious concerns. Here are 3 important consequences associated with dehydration:
1. Dehydration can lead to permanent kidney damage. Urinary tract infections and kidney stones are highly linked to not drinking enough fluids. Staying hydrated and urinating frequently flushes out the bacteria, decreasing the risk of getting a UTI. The lack of water within your body will result in less frequent bathroom breaks. If you find yourself only urinating once or twice per day and rarely in public, chances are…….you’re dehydrated! Without frequent urination, calcium, uric acid and salts can build up in the kidneys which can result in the formation of kidney stones.
2. Dehydration is commonly linked to blood pressure elevation (also known as Hypertension). Heart palpitations, which is frequently described as a fluttering sensations in the chest region, can also be a sign of dehydration. Palpitations are related to changes in blood pressure due to low fluid intake and low electrolyte levels. Many know that lack of fluids negatively affects the kidneys. However, who knew that not drinking enough water could indirectly affect the heart?
3. Fatigue and tiredness are often times a symptom of dehydration. Too tired to work out before or after your work shift? Have you ever stopped to think that maybe your exhaustion is a simple sign that you need to drink more water throughout the day? Keep in mind that water accounts for over half of your body weight. Water is the most vital energy source for our bodies. We lose water everyday through perspiration, elimination, and even breathing. Hot climate, increased activity (working and exercising), and some medications can contribute to a rapid loss of body fluids. My point here is that water is essential for mental and physical well-being. Staying hydrated will avoid risking concentration issues, focus deficits and reaction time delays.
10 Important Warning Signs of Dehydration
1. Dry Mouth
2. Fatigue
3. Headaches
4. Muscle Cramps
5. Sugar Cravings (decreased appetite for healthier foods)
6. Feeling thirsty
7. Dark yellow and strong-smelling urine
8. Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
9. Urinating little, and fewer than 4 times a day.
10. Rapid heart rate (aka tachycardia)
10 Food and Drinks to help you quickly hydrate #lifetip
1. Water
2. Tea
3. Cucumbers
4. Celery
5. Zucchini
6. Watermelon
7. Strawberries
8. Coconut Water
9. Coffee
10. Honeydew Melon/ Cantaloupe
Many claim that it doesn't have a taste or that it is difficult to drink becasue of the undesirable and tastless feeling of drinking "liquid air". We recommend to use a sugar-free powder mix until you can get used to drinking more water. We also recommend drinking room temperature water or hot/warm water to presume a smoother approach as the water travels down your throat into your intestines to break up waste material (combats constipation).
FUN FACT: Iced drinks have been seen all throughout life in the American household and in public. Many Americans ask for ice cubes in their water in restuarants, even in the winter months. Iced drinks are considered quite strange in the rest of the world. Break the learned behavior and try something different. Drink warm or hot water to attempt better hydration.
Simply remember to drink at least 8 glasses or 3-4 bottles of water daily (slightly more for men). If water is one of the most important components of our body, wouldn't you think it should be much easier to consume it? Probably not, we all struggle with this notion. Hence the reason why you have taken your precious time to read this entire blog entry about NEEDING MORE WATER IN YOUR LIFE. Afterall, All living things needs water somehow, including yourself.
#LIFETIP : There is 24 hours in one day, 8 hours is for slumbering, leaving 16 hours left. Set your phone every four hours to drink a bottle of water.
