In our last post we learned about the dangers of drinking diet sodas, and when it comes to low calorie drinks, water is always the best option. The human body is made up of between 55 and 75 percent water so it requires constant replenishment.
When it comes to water loss, there are a variety of culprits. Your lungs expel between two and four cups of water each day just by breathing normally. Sweaty feet and palms can cost us another cup of water. The average person goes to the bathroom 6-8 times a day, costing us around 8 cups of water. All of these are natural causes of water depletion and don’t include the added perspiration that you should be experiencing from your daily exercise.
A person would have to lose 10 percent of their body weight in fluids to be considered dehydrated, but as little as two percent can affect athletic performance, cause lethargy, and dull critical thinking abilities. Dehydration poses a particular health risk especially for the very young and the very old. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include excessive thirst, fatigue, dry mouth, and muscle weakness.
Water is crucial to your health because every system in your body depends on water. Adequate water consumption can help lessen the chance of kidney stones, keep joints lubricated, prevent and lessen the severity of colds and flu, and help prevent constipation. The average person needs about 8 glasses of water a day. Remember, though, it is important that your water be filtered. Basic water from the tap can contain high levels of chemicals and contaminants that can be harmful to your health. While drinking water is always your best option to fight dehydration, you can also find water in certain foods, especially fruits and vegetables. For example, oranges are 87 percent water and cucumbers are 95 percent water, making them an excellent hydration option.
