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Since we were little kids, we have learned that drinking water is so good for the body. It is so important to drink water all day long, and we also need to learn how dehydration can affect our bodies. Sometimes, it feels like we get plenty of water in our systems, while other days, we must think about how much water we have had. Drinking water shouldn’t be a chore, and when it is delicious and fresh, it makes it a lot easier.
How much water do you drink a day? It may be time to start tracking this if you notice some unusual health issues throughout your day. Sometimes you may feel a bit under the weather. Other times, you may be extra tired. There are several symptoms you may misread as illnesses that come from dehydration.
What is Dehydration?
Dehydration is when your body loses more fluid than it takes in. It is your job to replace these fluids so your body can work at its highest ability. Although we may notice that we have not had enough water throughout the day, being thirsty and being dehydrated are two different things.
Dehydration can pose a very high health risk. If you are an athlete and continue to exert yourself without replenishing, you will feel it. It is also so important under this hot Florida sun that you stay hydrated at the beach, pool, park or wherever you and your family enjoy going. Children and the elderly are also at high risk of getting dehydrated and should always try their best to have water available.
What Causes Dehydration?
Dehydration can happen rather gradually. Other than not getting fluids, there is usually more going on.
Excessive sweating can cause dehydration. If you are out in the sun, playing sports, or moving your body a lot, you must keep intaking fluids. The moment your body begins to exert too much sweat and not take enough fluids in, you will start to feel mild to severe symptoms.
Medications can also play a role in this. If you recently started a new medication, make sure to look at the side effects. If dehydration and/or dry mouth occurs, you may experience it even worse.
If you are ill and you are losing body fluids, you are bound to get dehydrated. If you have the flu, the last thing you want to do may be to drink water or electrolytes, but it is 100% necessary in order to stay hydrated.
Symptoms of Dehydration:
In children, you will notice much more severe symptoms than that of a healthy adult. Children can experience vomiting, diarrhea, or passing out. Adults may become lethargic, nauseous and could experience intense headaches as well.
Some other common symptoms you may notice are:
- Dry mouth
- Dark urine
- Dizziness
- Dry skin
We all process different medical situations in our own way, but these symptoms are common for those who have not had enough fluids.
How Does it Affect Our Bodies?
Did you know that our bodies are a makeup of 60% water? That means if we lose this water from our bodies without replenishing, we are unable to perform our regular daily tasks. Water is also important, so we continue to flush out any toxins that can enter our bodies. It helps to carry nutrients and oxygen as well and allows us to function at our best!
Without proper water intake, we can lose physical and cognitive abilities. You may notice a lag in coordination or decision making on top of that. Although we tend to chalk this up to other things, simple water intake may be a big reason. Dehydration can affect every aspect of our day, and it is important we do what we can to stay hydrated all day long.
Drink More Water
So, is there a special trick we need to consider in order to drink more water? There are always tips you may hear from family, friends, doctors, and nutritionists. Setting alarms, always have water available, and make sure you know what you are drinking. One problem people say is that they don’t remember and don’t carry water with them. Many people also refuse to buy plastic water bottles but don’t like the taste of the water they have at home. There are a few solutions to this.
First off, you can ditch the plastic water bottles and invest in a few good reusable bottles. Second, figure out what about your water at home, you don’t like it. Does it give off an odor? Does it have a taste that doesn’t sit right? Do you notice particles in it? Let us know and we can help! Whether you need a softener, filtration system, reverse osmosis, or regular maintenance, we can help you so you have great tasting water at home.
The more water we drink in a day, the better we will feel and more productive we may be!
