Proper hydration is crucial for optimal health. I’m sure you’ve heard it before, just like I have. But do we really understand the extent of how much water helps our body function? I have been gaining a lot of insight into the importance of hydration recently, and since so much of the population is severely dehydrated, it’s a topic that needs to be discussed!
Water has a very important job within our bodies. Its functions include:
- Transporting nutrients
- Hydrating cells and assisting with cellular function
- Removing wastes and toxins
- Lubricating and cushioning bones and joints
- Regulating body temperature
- Allowing for a properly functioning immune system
If your body isn’t properly hydrated, I’m sure you can imagine how difficult carrying out these tasks within your body could be. This is why dehydration can cause unpleasant symptoms such as fatigue, mood disruptions, headaches, etc. If dehydration becomes too severe, you could even experience joint pain, acid reflux, migraines, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, fibromyalgia, allergies, skin disorders, increased blood sugar levels, and high blood pressure.
So, what can we do to make sure our body is properly hydrated?
The recommended daily water intake is 1/2 of your body weight in ounces, spread out throughout the day. 2-4 ounces every 20-30 minutes is ideal. If you drink too much at once, you will likely just urinate most of it out since your cells can only absorb so much water at one time. Drink slowly!
Speaking of absorption, did you know that the color of your urine has nothing to do with your hydration status? Up until very recently, I didn’t. I bought in to the idea that clear urine meant I was properly hydrated, but that is not the case. It only means that you drank more water than your body could absorb at the time, so it is excreted.
Make sure you are drinking the purest water possible, and do not wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Your body will be in need of water long before you are feeling thirsty. Thirst is not the only indicator of your body’s need for water, so it’s best to not rely on that before having a glass!
It is possible to become dehydrated within hours, but it can take weeks to MONTHS to become properly hydrated again, so it is best to stay on top of your daily water intake! Making sure I am drinking enough water and that my body is absorbing water properly is one of my top three health goals at the moment. Since hydration plays such an important role in our overall health, I think it should be at the top of everyone’s health goals!
Now go grab yourself a tall glass of water, friends.
The Art of Wellness 