Importance of Staying Hydrated

The human body is primarily composed of water. This is why it is vital to make sure that you remain hydrated. Your cells cannot function without water, and all of your body’s systems rely on water to work properly. For example, water maintains the correct volume of blood, helps to regulate body temperature, helps to absorb the shock that is placed on your joints, and aids in circulation. Water helps to lubricate the linings of your major organs as well. When you are thirsty, it is your body’s way of telling you that you need to replenish its water supply. It is important to understand why remaining hydrated is essential and the risks that you face with dehydration.

Reasons to Remain Hydrated

Besides regulating the basic systems of the body, here are other reasons why you should remain hydrated.

• Good for the Brain. Many studies show that drinking water and remaining hydrated help to increase your cognitive function.
• Protects from Illness. Proper hydration helps you to stay healthy. It prevents you from falling victim to conditions like kidney stones, asthma, urinary tract infections, and constipation.
• Helps You Perform Better. It is essential to keep your body hydrated before and throughout all exercise. This lowers fatigue and heightens your endurance.

Risks of Dehydration

If you allow your body to become dehydrated, you raise your risks of suffering from negative side effects.

• Kidney Problems. In severe cases, dehydration causes your blood pressure to plummet. This lowers the flow of blood to organs, including the kidneys. As this occurs, your kidneys may fail completely.
• Confusion. When you are dehydrated, the body loses its ability to maintain the proper supply of blood to the brain. This can lead to confusion. Prolonged dehydration may cause a person to enter a coma.
• Electrolyte Imbalance. As you sweat, your brain loses vital nutrients like sodium and potassium. When water is not replaced, this can lead to muscle weakness and abnormal heart rhythms.

You lose water by sweating, breathing, and going to the bathroom. Hot weather, excessive exercise, and being sick with a fever can cause an even greater loss in your body’s water levels. It is not difficult to keep your body hydrated. You do not have to drink bottles of water all day. Although you should consume plenty of liquids, you can eat foods like salad and fruit, which are filled with water. When you remain hydrated, you can avoid numerous health issues. Simply pay attention to your body, and it will thrive.