Do You Drink Enough Water?

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Do You Drink Enough Water?

Water is the most important fluid on earth.

Without water, life is not possible. Therefore, water is essential for life and your body.
Your body consists of 45-75% water, depending on what age you are.

Infants have a much higher water percentage. So have fit persons. Fatty tissue contains less water than lean tissue.

Why do you need water?

Your body needs water to function. Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly. What does water do for your body? A few examples:

• It gets rid of waste. This is through urination, perspiration and bowel movements
• The primary building block of your body cells is water
• Water keeps your temperature normal
• Also, water lubricates and cushions joints
• Water protects sensitive tissues

When you are not drinking enough water you will become dehydrated. Dehydration prevents your body from functioning properly. Dehydration will make you lose your energy also.

Water lost by urinating, bowel movements, sweat, breath etc. needs to be replenished. Depending on your body weight, the climate you are living in etc. women need at least 2.7 Litres per day. Men 3.7 Litres.

Keep in mind that around 20% of the daily water you need comes from food. The rest you need to drink. Important is that some drinks like coffee, tea, alcohol and soft drinks don’t add up 100%.

Green tea, for example, gives you 96% hydration whereas water will give you 100%. Soft drinks give you 90%. Coffee 89%.

For alcohol, it depends on the drink. Remember that alcohol can cause dehydration. It is a diuretic that causes the kidneys to generate more urine. You probably can relate to this during and after a night out. As a result, excessive alcohol consumption might result in dehydration.

It isn’t sufficient to drink when you are getting thirsty. You are too late for good replenishment already by then. It is better to drink water every hour. Make a habit of it. You can also use a water tracker.

I use a few different apps to track certain topics. One of them is OMO. One feature of OMO is that it automatically counts the percentage of fluid intake when it differs from water. As long as you add the correct fluid you have taken.

Possible Symptoms of Dehydration

Dehydration is nothing more and nothing less than losing more water than taking in. And your body does not have enough water to function normally.

Symptoms differ per age and person. For babies and young children, this is particularly dangerous. This is also the case for seniors.

The symptoms also depend on the severity of dehydration. A dry or sticky mouth, thirst and peeing less are symptoms of mild dehydration.

When the symptoms become severe it is important, especially for young(er) children and seniors to consult a doctor immediately.

Severe symptoms can include very dry skin, dizziness and headaches. Also a racing heart and rapid breathing. Sleepy, fainting, even becoming unconscious. You need to contact a doctor, don’t hesitate!

What causes dehydration?

The most common cause of dehydration is not drinking enough water. This can, in most cases, be solved easily.
Other causes can be:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• (Contagious) Illness
• Sweating (Excessive)
• Too much peeing due to medication or undiscovered illnesses
• Vomiting

Dehydration is potentially very dangerous and can cause many complications. Even dead. Other complications can be but are not limited to:

• Brain swelling
• Coma
• Heat exhaustion or heatstroke
• Kidney and other vital organ failure
• Seizures
• Shock

Is it possible to drink too much water?

Although it hardly happens, it is possible to drink too much water. It is called overhydration.
The cause is drinking too much water. Or, your kidneys retain too much water.

It is dangerous because too much water in your body causes the electrolytes in your body to dilute. This causes imbalances and your organs and body cannot function properly.

The main cause is sodium dilution. When this happens (too much) water moves into the cells of the body. This causes inflammation.

Read more about over-hydration HERE.

When you live in a climate with seasons, it is easy to forget to drink water when the temperature lowers. There are several things you can do to remember to drink water.

• Use a water tracker and set the alarm
• Take a reusable water bottle with you
• Place the water bottle at your desk. In plain sight
• Infuse your water with fruits, vegetables or herbs
• Drink (herbal) tea
• Make soup, this counts as water too

The importance of drinking water is clear. Don’t overdo it, but be sure you drink enough.
You will benefit from it!

Infused Water Ideas

Featured Image by Photo Mix from Pixabay