Why Staying Properly Hydrated Is More Important Than You Might Think

Unfortunately, not everybody understands that staying hydrated is essential for one’s health. Consequently, many people suffer symptoms of dehydration, and they may not even realize it. Indeed, water is one of the most important things that the human body needs for its survival. Staying hydrated is much more important than you might think.

Dehydration Occurrence and Symptoms

One of the reasons that staying hydrated is important is that your body loses water faster than you can imagine. For instance, your body loses water every time you breathe, sweat, or go to the bathroom. Things such as diarrhea or vomiting cause you to lose water at an accelerated rate. Also, on especially humid days, particularly if you choose to participate in outdoor physical activities, you will tend to become more dehydrated.

There are symptoms of dehydration that you should be familiar with. Some of these symptoms include having darker urine than usual, having smaller amounts of urine, or having no urine. Additional symptoms of dehydration include fatigue, sleepiness, dry mouth, thirst, confusion, headache, dizziness, or no tears when wanting to cry.

Body Water Composition

Another reason you need to stay hydrated is that a large percentage of your body is comprised of water. For example, your skin is about 60 percent water, your blood has approximately 80 percent water, your muscles are 75 percent water and the bones of your body are around 30 percent water. If you become dehydrated, you are making it more likely that these parts of your body will not be at their best. Having a well-hydrated body means that the systems of your body will be able to function optimally. If you are dehydrated, the organs and systems of your body will not function at their peak capacity and could make you sick.

How to Prevent Dehydration

In your efforts to prevent yourself from becoming dehydrated, keep in mind that, on average, you need to consume at least eight cups of water per day. Drink water when you wake up, at breakfast, at lunch, at dinner, and before you go to sleep at night. Also, keep a bottle of water with you throughout each day, and sip on the water throughout the day. Carry a reusable water bottle and fill it up again when it runs low. Also, if you plan to exercise, make sure to drink water before, during, and after your exercise session.

Consuming vegetables and fruits is another way of replenishing your water supply. Several vegetables and fruits are comprised of up to 80 percent water. Citrus fruits and melons, along with green leafy vegetables and cucumbers, are an excellent choice if you hope to keep your body hydrated. Staying hydrated also helps you keep consistent body temperature, and it helps get rid of toxins and wastes that are trapped inside your body.

It is true that some people drink other types of liquid drinks such as energy drinks, juice, and the various commercially-available thirst-quenching drinks because they believe that these drinks are an adequate substitute for drinking water. Their doing this is a mistake; water is a much better way to stay hydrated and doesn’t have any extra sweeteners or calories.

Do Not Take Your Health For Granted

You do not want to experience system malfunction in your body. Admittedly, particularly during times when you are busy, it can be difficult to remember to keep drinking water all day. However, drinking water is absolutely necessary for the body. Drinking sufficient water each day can literally save your life.