Staying Hydrated
"Hydration is important because the body is comprised mostly of water, and the proper balance
between water and electrolytes in our bodies really determines how most of our systems
function, including nerves and muscles" says Larry Kenney, PhD, a professor of physiology and
kinesiology at Penn State.
Some of the biggest side effects of dehydration can be headaches, lack of energy, weight gain,
lack of cleansing and detoxification, a weakened immune response, getting colds and flus easily,
and feeling lethargic or even experiencing brain fog. Researchers have discovered that “mild
dehydration - as little as losing 1 % to 2% of body water - can impair cognitive performance” .
How much water to drink? – According to Dr. Axe, typically, you should be drinking between
25% to 50% of your body weight in ounces of water daily. But lots of water doesn’t necessarily
equal good hydration. The proper balance of electrolytes is needed to maintain hydration.
Fruits and vegetables are full of quality electrolytes, as is all-natural sea salt or Himalayan salt in
proper amounts. Too little salt intake, your body stops conserving as much water in its organs,
while too much salt can make you urinate more, both of which cause dehydration. Exercise, no
matter what kind, increases circulation and improves overall electrolyte levels too and actually
helps to get more nutrients into your cells.
However, when it comes to drinking water, it’s not about drinking a lot at one time, according
to board-certified rehabilitation specialist Scott Michael Schreiber. “Many Americans are
chronically dehydrated, which means they have been drinking less than optimal for a long
period of time. When this occurs, you need to slowly rehydrate, as your body has been in
survival mode, adjusted to not consuming enough water… You need to be drinking water all day
long, as opposed to only when you are thirsty. Your body will absorb more water over the
course of the day, rather than at one shot”.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/quest-for-hydration#1
https://draxe.com/nutrition/how-to-stay-hydrated/
https://www.bustle.com/p/7-reasons-youre-still-dehydrated-after-drinking-lots-of-water-15727442