Are you staying hydrated?

Provided by: Bethany Reynolds, AFAA-CPT

By the time you feel thirsty your body is already dehydrated! Research
shows that as little as 1% dehydration negatively affects your mood,
attention, memory and motor coordination. As you “lose” water without
replacing it, your blood becomes more concentrated and, at a point, this
triggers your kidneys to retain water. The result: you urinate less. The
thicker and more concentrated your blood becomes, the harder it is for
your cardiovascular system to compensate by increasing heart rate to
maintain blood pressure. When your dehydrated body is “pushed” – such as
when exercising or faced with heat stress – the risk of exhaustion
increases. This can cause you to faint, for instance, when you stand up
too quickly.

The amount of water needed each day is different for everyone. The goal is
to make sure you are drinking it. You can add flavors to water using herbs
like mint, fruits such as melon, or even vegetables like cucumber. You can also
get water into your body by eating fruits and vegetables. Here is a list
of 5 good reasons to stay hydrated:

1. Increases energy & relieves fatigue
Since your brain is mostly water, drinking it helps you think, focus and
concentrate better and be more alert. As an added bonus, your energy
levels are also boosted!
2. Promotes weight loss
Removes by-products of fat, increases satiety (by filling up your
tummy if consumed prior to meals; hello natural appetite
suppressant!), and has zero calories!
3. Flushes Out Toxins
Gets rid of waste through sweat and urination which reduces the risk of
kidney stones and UTI’s (urinary tract infections)
4. Natural Headache Remedy
Helps relieve and prevent headaches (migraines & back pains too!) which
are commonly caused by dehydration.
5. Prevents Cramps & Sprains
Proper hydration helps keep joints lubricated and muscles more elastic so
joint pain is less likely.

references: https://theconversation.com
https://www.mindbodygreen.com