Most people that live in Anthem and Phoenix, AZ, can tell you that they drink more water on the hot summer days if they’re outside, but that’s not always the case when the weather is cooler or if you’re sitting in air conditioning all day. It’s especially important to stay hydrated if you’re working out. Under normal conditions, you can go without food for about three weeks, but require water to survive after just three or four days. Water plays a major role in your body and to achieve your best, you have to stay hydrated.
Your major organs are primarily water.
Did you know that your brain and heart are 73% water? Your lungs are 83% water. Just imagine what effect dehydration has on those organs. It can diminish your mental acuity, cause increased or irregular heart rhythms and cause the mucus in your lungs to thicken, increasing your susceptibility to breathing problems and allergies. It helps keep your body temperature correct and aids in building new cells. If your joints ache, try a glass of water, it acts as a lubricant in your system. Are you tired or mentally foggy? Don’t grab a cup of coffee, grab a bottle of water instead. It’s the quicker picker-upper.
Losing weight is easier when you increase your water intake.
Ironically, water weight and bloating can be helped by drinking more water. Hunger can sometimes be appeased with water. Too often the body tricks us and triggers the feeling of hunger when you’re really thirsty. Drinking a cold glass of water can actually increase the amount of calories you burn. A study showed that drinking a glass of water before a meal helped people lose weight. It filled you up, not out.
Get into the healthy habit of sipping on water frequently.
Stick with water, not sports drinks or even coffee, for the majority of your daily fluid. If you’ve worked out hard for over an hour, then you may need the benefit of a sports drink to replace electrolytes. Otherwise, you may be just increasing the amount of sugar and sodium you intake each day. Carry a bottle of water with you and if you aren’t a fan, make your own infused water that adds flavor and even a few nutrients.
- Start each day with a glass of water as soon as you get up and increase your intake of water throughout the day for or a two weeks. You’ll probably notice how much better you feel after just a week.
- Dehydration can be life threatening. When it’s severe, it can cause convulsions, heart failure and other serious conditions. If you have symptoms of achy joints, dizziness and exhaustion, it’s a sign you may be dehydrated.
- Older adults, particularly seniors dehydrate more quickly. It can lead to mental confusion that resembles dementia, UTIs, pneumonia and bedsores for the bedridden.
- For a more youthful appearance and plumper skin, stay hydrated. It can help stave off wrinkles and give your eyes a more youthful appearance.
For more information, contact us today at SkinSport