Hydration is a commonly overlooked aspect of health in today's society, yet remains essential to the proper function and prosperity of the human body. It's a biological need which serves to invigorate our systems with the fluids and minerals we need to thrive. Our bodily fluids transport energy and nutrients throughout our bodies, help regulate our body temperature, and protect us from disease. Most people know they should drink water every day, but they don't realize just how important it is.
WHY HYDRATION IS IMPORTANT
Pretty much everyone and everything wanting to fully experience life requires some degree of water to get there. Whether you're a general wellness enthusiast or a tree outside, water is an integral part of the concept and process of life itself.
There are all sorts of reasons to stay hydrated. Water plays a massive role in the regulation of body temperature, lubrication of joints, prevention of infections, delivery of nutrients to cells, as well as the proper functioning of organs. It's furthermore essential in the elimination of toxins and waste products from the system. Being able to go weeks without food, but only days without water, it's possibly the most important element to keeping all facets of our bodies performing at an optimal level.
Being even mildly dehydrated can lead to decreased productivity, foggy thinking, and a general feeling of fatigue. It can also increase the risk for heart disease, kidney stones, and other health complications.
It is quite simple really – if you're not hydrated, you cannot be at your best. You'll experience fatigue, decreased productivity, and a general feeling of malaise. And that's just when functioning normally; if you're pushing your body hard in some way – whether you're an athlete or just working a demanding job – then you need to be even more vigilant about ensuring you're properly hydrated.
THE BENEFITS OF HYDRATION FOR YOUR HEALTH
While a necessary bodily function, getting water into our systems is all too often considered insignificant in regards to its impact on health. Really, nothing could be further from the truth, as it is this and other primitive factors which define our wellbeing at the most basic level.
Proper hydration can do everything from increase energy levels and improve cognitive function, to helping us maintain a healthy weight, keeping our skin looking supple, and even preventing headaches.
The following are just a few of the key benefits you can experience by prioritizing your hydration levels:
Improved brain function: Getting enough water is essential to supporting your brain in more ways than one. Studies have shown that even levels of mild dehydration (fluid loss of 1–3%) have the capacity to impair mood and contribute to massive reductions in overall memory and brain performance.
Prevention of headaches: As one of the leading symptoms of dehydration, it's quite obvious how getting enough water intake can positively impact the reduction in frequency of headaches. Dehydration is frequently the root cause behind tension headaches, migraines, and even cluster headaches.
Improved cardiovascular health: A healthy heart requires a good amount of hydration to function properly. When dehydrated, the heart has to work much harder to pump blood throughout the body. This can lead to an increased risk for heart attack or stroke.
Healthy skin: One of the most visible signs of dehydration is dry, dull skin. Proper hydration helps to increase blood flow and improve the delivery of nutrients to the skin cells, leading to a more youthful appearance and decreased risk for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Weight loss: A common misconception is that drinking water will lead to weight gain. The reality is that when properly hydrated, the body is actually less likely to store water as fat. In fact, staying hydrated can actually help to increase your metabolism and promote healthy weight loss.
TIPS TO ACHIEVE BETTER HYDRATION
Given how the human body is mostly made up of it, it's a conceivable notion that water plays a primary role in the regulation and support of our health. It's therefore something everyone should prioritize.
Fortunately, staying hydrated is relatively easy with the application of the right strategy and approach. Here are some tips to help you better hydrate and improve your overall health:
- Drink water regularly throughout the day, aiming for around eight 8-ounce glasses. You may need more or less depending on your activity level and climate.
- Keep a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go, so you always have easy access to water.
- Add fresh or frozen fruits, vegetables, and herbs to your water to give it flavor and added nutrients.
- Avoid drinks with high sugar content or caffeine, as they can actually contribute to dehydration.
- Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables with a high-water content in your diet. Cucumber, watermelon, celery, and strawberries are all great options.
The main takeaway? Listen to your body and aim to drink water regularly throughout the day. Pay special attention if you’ve been working out, breaking a sweat, and/or if it’s hot outside. No matter what your health goals may be, making proper hydration a priority is essential for achieving and maintaining them. By following the simple tips listed above, you can easily make sure you're getting the fluids your body needs to thrive.