Health

The Importance of Staying Hydrated

The Importance of Staying Hydrated

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You know water is one of the essentials of life.  It makes up almost 70% of your body and is involved in almost every metabolic process in your body.

You’re trying to maintain your health.  You’re exercising, eating better food and trying to get enough sleep.  Don’t forget to stay hydrated.  This doesn’t just mean while you are home enjoying yourself, but also when you are at work.

Importance of Water

Every cell, organ and tissue in your body requires water to function properly.  Without water, the average person will die within 3 days, so we are talking about something vital to your existence.    Maybe the only thing more important is air, as you can’t live more than a few minutes without it.

Studies have shown that people who are deprived of water experience poor cognitive function.  Dehydration can cause fatigue and confusion, and it is possibly linked to symptoms of anger and depression.

When these individuals were supplied with water they experienced an improvement in anger, fatigue, overall mood and cognitive function.

How to Stay Hydrated

  • Carry your own water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.
  • Request your employer put in a drinking fountains.
  • Drink water instead of coffee or sugary beverages.
  • Add a slice of lemon or cucumber to your water if you enjoy a flavoured drink.

If you find you are dehydrated, stay in a cool location and rest.  Drink water or oral hydration solutions, but do it slowly.  Drinking too quickly could cause you to vomit or experience discomfort.  If you are unable to keep fluids down and the condition persists, you should go to a hospital and get care from a doctor. Click here to find out how raisins can help put on weight.

Water and Stress

Modern life has gotten very stressful.  Trying to keep up with your responsibilities at work, raising a family, and getting some time in for yourself can create a lot of stress.

There is a proven scientific relationship between water intake and stress. When you’re dehydrated, your body is stressed, and when the body is stressed, your brain triggers hormones to counter that stress.  Research has shown that the more hydrated you are the better the body does at dealing with stress. 

Signs of Dehydration

Not getting enough water can lead to some serious conditions.  Short-term dehydration can result in dry skin, fatigue and dizziness.  

However, if left unresolved, dehydration can lead to some serious life-threatening situations.  Complications can include confusion, fainting, shock, rapid heartbeat, kidney failure and an inability to urinate.  

If you work outdoors or have medical conditions that cause you to urinate or sweat more than usual, you are at a greater risk of dehydration.

Research published in the World Journal of Psychiatry found that drinking water leads to decreased levels of depression and anxiety. 

The brain is 75 to 85 per cent water, so even a 2 per cent dehydration can interfere with your mood and attitude.

Keep life simple, and easy by making sure you are drinking enough water every day.

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