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August 16, 2013

No comment by Author, Razvan Stancea

Being dehydrated is more than just being thirsty. It occurs when a body is losing more water than it is able to replace. Over half of a body’s weight is made up of water. It’s necessary to keep each system running properly. When the body is dehydrated, it cannot function as it is supposed to. Find out more about how staying hydrated means staying healthy.

Symptoms of Dehydration

How can you tell if you or someone you know is suffering from dehydration? There are several symptoms that will let you know.

• Thirst is the initial symptom
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Decrease in urine output
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea and vomiting

How to Stay Hydrated

The obvious answer to staying hydrated is drinking water when you begin to feel thirsty. On days when you’re more active or spending more time in the heat, you’ll need to drink more water to make up for the increase in water that is lost through sweating.

Six to eight glasses of water each day is the usual recommended amount. However, drinks other than water can also count toward that total amount. Milk, tea, and natural fruit or vegetable juices will all keep you hydrated. Try to stay away from sugary drinks. While they have some water, the high amount of sugar and low sodium can actually lead to becoming dehydrated.

When a child is dehydrated, drinks with electrolytes can replenish fluids and help regain health.

Health Benefits of Hydration

Hydration is essential for every part of the body. It creates a lubricant for muscles, helping to reduce the risk of cramping during exercise. During exercise, staying hydrated will give you the energy to get through a longer workout without hitting a wall. You’ll also notice fewer headaches and less fatigue when you’re consuming the proper amount of water each day.

Water works to move things smoothly through the body. It dissolves food and creates the digestive juices that help the food pass through the body. As the food is digested, water breaks down the waste that is left then pumps fluid through the system to carry that waste out. Water will also carry nutrients throughout the body as well as reducing the risk of constipation.

Hydration Tips

While we all know that we need a certain amount of water each day, when we’re rushing through a busy day, it can be difficult to get enough to drink. The following are a few tips to help you out.

• Start your day with a glass of water before breakfast. End the day with another glass.
• Set a timer for every couple of hours to remind you to pour another glass.
• When you feel hungry, have a glass of water before eating.
• Keep your reusable water bottle with you throughout the day.
• Make a chart and check a box for each glass you drink during the day.
• Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge in an easy to notice spot.