The human body’s total weight is made up of about 75% of water. Our bodies need to be hydrated at all times not just for the functioning of the internal body organs, but also for skin maintenance. Water regulates the body’s temperature, induces smooth digestion of food, ensure that the joints are well supplied with enough fluids for movement, as well as maintain a smooth, soft skin.
Dehydration is evident from common signs which include dizziness, headache, fatigue, fewer amounts of urine, which is most of the times darker in color, dry mouth, etc. It is important to always stay hydrated, which improves consciousness, appetite, and activeness in performing various activities such as sports and daily chores. Let’s look at things that you should know about hydration.
Exercise regularly
Exercise and any form of physical activity increase blood circulation within the body. As long as the body is engaged in some form of activity, whether exercises such as weight training, jogging, walking or physical fitness workouts, circulation takes place increasing fluid movement. Staying hydrated allows for the fluids to flow and distribute necessary nutrients all over the body.
Reduces fatigue
Reduced and extremely low water levels have been found from studies to result in reduced energy levels. Low energy levels, in turn, result in dizziness, fatigue, and fuzzy memory. They also affect the body’s metabolic rate. In order to avoid severe health conditions from arising, like headaches that lead to migraines and extreme cases, one should always stay hydrated.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
Enough amounts of fruits and vegetables should always be included in one’s diet. Apart from providing the body with essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium, sodium and potassium, fruits and green leafy vegetables contain some amounts of water. The water provides an electrolyte balance which regulates hydration. This allows your body to stay hydrated as well as obtain healthy nutrients for healthy growth. Fruits and vegetables with high water content include watermelons, citrus fruits like oranges, berries, pineapples, cucumbers, kiwi, spinach, tomatoes, and broccoli.
You don’t need to drink eight glasses of water a day
Contrary to what is said all over the internet, water is important for the body, but you don’t have to drink eight glasses of water every day. What you need is enough water depending on how much you exercise or how much water you remove from the body. Water is lost through urine and sweat during exercise.
Different climatic conditions also influence the amount of water that one needs to consume to stay hydrated. Find out how much water you lose to determine how many ounces to consume. Make it a habit to have a glass of water before every meal or after visiting the toilet and an hour after intense physical training or exercises.
Staying hydrated isn’t limited to, water intake, although it is the most recommended fluid. You can have coffee and other beverages to stay hydrated. Fluids can be ingested through drinking or in severe conditions intravenous hydration is performed by a medical practitioner to restore electrolyte balance.
Disclosure: Collaborative Post
Photo Credit: Reset IV