Water is one of the most vital elements second only to oxygen. It is important to almost every basic function of your body including temperature regulation, blood circulation, metabolism, immune response, and elimination of toxins and wast from the body. Water is a main component of cells, tissues and organs.
Your brain, lungs, heart, liver and kidneys all contain a large amount of water – between 65 – 85%, even bones are 31% water.
Water lubricates the body
Water is an important part of our joints. The tissue that provides cushioning between our bones is made up of mostly water. Water acts as shock absorber, reduces joint pain, it is in your eyes and spinal column. your cells work better when fully hydrated, it can increase your body’s ability to perform. We move better when we are hydrated!
Water helps to maintain proper muscle tone and helps reduce wrinkles, and dehydration can cause muscle cramps.
Food and beverages are the source of the water and electrolytes our bodies need. This is why good nutrition goes hand in hand with hydration.
Food gives us about 20% of the fluid in our bodies.
Affects of Dehydration on Your Body Systems
When we are dehydrated our blood volume drops. This causes our blood pressure to drop and our heart rate to go up and can be extremely dangerous for someone with a heart condition or weak from other health conditions.
Water helps allow the oxygen we breathe to be absorbed on the inside of our lungs
Our kidneys use water to help get rid of toxins in our bodies and eliminate breakdown products from food digestion.
Low hydration makes our kidneys work harder. Not drinking enough water also increases the risk of kidney stones for people who are more likely to have this problem.
Without water, the vitamins, minerals and nutrients our cells need could not be carried throughout the body.
Water is required for the chemical processes that take place during digestion of our foods.
Water softens our stool to help prevent constipation
Water naturally suppresses appetite and helps the body metabolize stored fat which is important when you want to achieve weight loss.
Dehydration causes confusion, dry mouth, headache or light-headedness are signals that our bodies need something. It causes fatigue, weakness and lightheadedness make you susceptible to falling which can have devastating effects in the event of fracture or traumatic head injury.
HOW MUCH WATER DO YOU NEED?
Don’t ignore the warning signs of dehydration, when you are thirsty it means you are already dehydrated.
Play it safe, stay hydrated!
According to the Mayo Clinic you are to drink at least HALF YOUR BODY WEIGHT IN OUNCES unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Your body requires even more water when exercising and when in hot temperatures and dry environments.
