We all know how important it is to stay hydrated but did you know by drinking enough water, it helps the heart pump blood more efficiently and assists muscles in working more efficiently?
Think of it this way, every tissue cell, organ and system is comprised of water and can only function optimally when your body is properly hydrated. Science states that 50-70% of our total body weight is water (brain 70%; lungs nearly 90% and blood about 83%). Even fat loss will not occur at an ideal rate if you are in a dehydrated state and it’s well known that water aids in suppressing our appetite. People who are dehydrated don’t have enough water in their system and this can cause you to feel dizzy, tired, thirsty, give you a headache or at its most severe, life-threatening illnesses, such as heat stroke.
Water is our life force. Our bodies can only go a few days without water before they start to deteriorate and die. Every day, we lose eight to twelve cups of water though our daily bodily functions (breathing, perspiring, urine and bowel movements). In general, men need at least 12 cups of fluid daily, while women require a minimum of nine cups. A person who sweats a lot will need to drink more than someone who doesn’t. People with medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease or cystic fibrosis may also need to drink more water. Many medications can also act as diuretics causing an increase in urination and lose more fluid.
To maintain your body’s fluid balance, you need to replace at least 10 cups of water (80 ounces) every day. This amount needs to be increased in hot weather conditions or during exercise where you can lose up to a liter per hour during a workout. Plus, as we age, there is a general loss of water in all tissues – consider it the plum to prune effect! Water is the best thing to drink to stay hydrated but other foods such as fruits and vegetables can also be a good source of water. Avoid fruit juices or sugary drinks as they can be hard on your stomach if you’re dehydrated. Caffeine drinks can also act as a diuretic and cause you to lose more fluids.
In closing, to allow your body to function at its best, try and commit to drinking at least 10 glasses of water every day and see if you notice an improvement in your overall health, body composition and energy levels. Cheers!