August 25, 2019
It’s true! Your body needs water to survive. Do you ever wonder why people are always telling you to drink MORE water? That’s because water helps every part of your body function. Water makes up more than half of your body weight. From cells to tissues to organs, all of these parts need water to help you stay healthy.
Water’s Role
When you drink water, you are providing a transport for nutrients your body thrives on. It carries nutrients to all the cells found throughout your body. It also helps your body maintain temperature, lubricate your joints, and remove waste. According to the American Heart Association, staying hydrated is critical for your heart health. Being hydrated helps the heart more easily pump blood through the blood vessels to the muscles. And, it helps the muscles work efficiently.
How to Stay Hydrated
But, how much water should you drink? They say it depends on the person. Someone that sweats more often will have to consume more water to stay hydrated. It’s important to pay attention and replenish the water that is leaving your body throughout the day. Don’t forget to drink water before, after, and during a workout. This is the time where your body needs water the most. If you start to get thirsty, then chances are you are already dehydrated.
It’s easy to tell when your body isn’t hydrated enough because your urine will be darker. This will help tell you that you need to drink more water. Try carrying a refillable water bottle with you throughout the day and make sure you are drinking it often. Water can also be found in certain fruits and vegetables. If you want to continue to hydrate your body, then you can eat watermelon, tomatoes, or lettuce.
There are also some people that are at a higher risk of dehydration. These include those that are active in hot weather, people with medical conditions, pregnant women and older adults. If you are one of these people, then you should take special care to make sure you are getting enough water each day.
Effects of Dehydration
If you don’t drink enough water, your body will let you know. You’ll start experiencing the effects of dehydration which include:
It’s best to not wait until you start experiencing the effects of dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Your body will feel a lot better if you do!
