Approximately 75% of the human body is composed of water. It is essential for trillions of functions in the body. Water is needed to clean the body of toxins, maintain body temperature, transport nutrients, aid digestion, metabolize body fat, and lubricate & cushion your organs. Water is the most important nutrient in your body. It's recommended that you drink 8 cups of water a day, but you may need more or less depending on several factors, such as: exercise, environment, pregnancy, breast-feeding, or health conditions.
Symptoms of Dehydration
At first, the most obvious sign of dehydration will be thirst. If the water loss increases, however, there can be other symptoms, such as:
- dry mouth
- lack of energy
- nausea & vomiting
- heart palpatations
- light headedness
- weakness
- increased urination
Alcohol, Caffeine and Dehydration
We've all heard that coffee is a diuretic and may lead to dehydration. While this may be true, there are many other drinks highly consumed that can also cause dehydration. Certain soft drinks, sports drinks and types of juices contain sugar, caffeine, alcohol, or artificial sweeteners that may lead to dehydration. If you drink any of these drinks, you should make sure to replace to any fluids you lose through urination.
Dehydration & Kidney Failure
If you become severely dehydrated, you are at risk for kidney failure. The kidney's remove waste and toxins from the body. If your not drinking enough water, waste and toxins start to build up in your body. This will ultimately result in the kidney's not functioning properly.
Tips To Stay Hydrated
1) Drink Water Frequently
Instead of drinking your daily intake of water all at once, drink it throughout the day. Try to drink a cup of water every hour or so, this way you'll stay hydrated and won't put a strain on your organs by drinking it all at once.
2) Eat Foods High In Water Content
You don't only have to drink your water, you can eat it too. Foods such as, pineapples, tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, celery, blueberries, raspberries, and many other foods are very high in water content.
3) Eat Hydrophilic Foods
Hydrophilic foods are foods that retain water. They help you to stay hydrated. Some examples of hyrdophilic foods are:
- chia seeds
- aloe
- kelp
- baked potato
- broccoli
- oats
- lemons
- mustard seeds
- figs
- apricots
- dates
- green beans
- apples
- pears
- plum
- cherries
4) Be Prepared
Wherever you go, make sure that you always have water with you. Whether it's in you car, your work, or even your purse. You can even set an alarm on your watch or phone to remind you to drink.
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