Team Hydration for the Win!
By Donna Stark
It is estimated that more than half of our population suffers from chronic dehydration. That’s a whole lot of people who haven’t taken the advice of their parents, friends, or doctors. And actually, it’s quite alarming because the effects of dehydration on the body, especially over a significant amount of time, are no joke. Even when a small percentage of water in your body is lost, every function in your body can become impaired. Fortunately, there is an easy fix to this problem and it’s pretty inexpensive too.
Signs of Dehydration
There are a ton of symptoms that indicate dehydration in the body, ranging from moderate to severe. Let’s take a look at some of them here.
- Fatigue - One of the ways that the body gets energy is from water, so if you aren’t drinking enough, you may experience constant fatigue
- High blood pressure - Resistance in blood flow can occur when you are dehydrated, which has the potential to raise blood pressure
- Weight gain - When cells are depleted of energy from water they begin to rely on energy from food instead, causing you to eat more
- Skin disorders - Dehydration makes the skin more vulnerable to all types of skin issues, such as dermatitis, psoriasis, premature aging, and discoloration
- Joint pain or stiffness - Water is a main component of the cartilage in our joints, so if there isn’t enough, the joints can become weak, stiff, and quite painful
- Bladder or kidney problems - Dehydration causes the bladder and kidney to become a center where bacteria thrive, which can then lead to infection, inflammation, and pain
There are many ways to hydrate and stay hydrated throughout the day. Consuming more water is the clear and obvious choice, but there are also other options as well.
- Water-rich fruit - Fruit such as watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, and grapefruit are great sources of hydration
- Water-rich veggies - Veggies such as cucumber, broccoli, celery, and spinach have high-water contents and provide so many vitamins and minerals as well
- Smoothies - Smoothies are a great source of nutrients and are a very beneficial method of hydration
- Fat-free/skim milk - Milk is an excellent source of calcium and studies show that it is better than water and sports drinks for rehydration after exercise
Drinking the recommended amount of water each day can’t be stressed enough, as the body uses it for nearly every function it has. So be intentional about how much you drink on a daily basis. Keep a water bottle near you at all times, start your morning off with a glass of water before your cup of coffee, and end the day by rehydrating before bedtime. Drinking water is the most inexpensive way to maintain great health, so come on over to Team Hydration’s side. You won’t regret it!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pooler, Ga.