Why does your body need water?
1. Helps digest food and flush out waste.
2. Lubricates and cushions the joints.
3. Distributes nutrients and oxygen through the blood stream to your cells.
4. Regulates and maintains a normal body temperature.
5. Keeps tissues moist and prevents dehydration.
We lose water all of the time, from everyday things like sweat, urine and breathing. It’s an absolute necessity to replace the water for our vital functions to continue working properly. Without sufficient water intake, dehydrated will occur. Dehydration is a very serious condition that often affects people in severe heat or from strenuous activities that result in excessive perspiration and fluid loss.
Symptoms of Mild Dehydration
• Lack of saliva.
• Deep, yellow urine.
Symptoms of Medium Dehydration
• Dry mouth.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Dry and sunken eyes.
Symptoms of Severe Dehydration
• Inability to urinate.
• No sweat.
• Lethargy, irritability and faintness.
• Vomiting and diarrhea.
The Benefits of Increasing Water Intake
• Hydrates the muscles, improving athletic performance.
• Helps you lose weight by flushing toxins and waste from the body.
• Improves skin tone and clears acne.
• Facilitates bowel movements.
• Increases energy.
• Improves digestion.
• Helps muscle recovery and reduces joint pain.
How much water should you drink per day?
It depends on several factors, including your body weight, activity level, age and the climate you live in. Officially, the Institute of Medicine recommends men consume 13 cups per day and females consume 9 cups per day. Increase your fluid intake accordingly if you’re engaged in activities that make you sweat excessively, when the weather is hot or humid and when you’re sick or ill.
• Drink a glass of water when you wake up in the morning.
• Drink a glass of water before and after every meal.
• Drink a glass of water before exercise and sip during your workout.
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, as they have a very high water content.
• Keep a large water bottle 16 oz – 24 oz, with you wherever you go (work, school, home