Hydration is an essential aspect of good health. Proper hydration is crucial for numerous bodily functions, from delivering nutrients to cells to boosting cognition and mood to supporting organ function. And with summer right around the corner, water consumption is more important than ever.
High temperatures and humidity deplete moisture, especially when exercising or taking part in rigorous activities. Accordingly, you may need to adjust your water intake during the summer months. To illustrate how important hydration is to your wellness, consider the following facts about water and what it can do for your body.
Most adults are made up of about 60% water, which means your daily intake must be sufficient to support your body. For instance, drinking water helps maintain kidney function while also reducing the risk of kidney stones. Water helps your body absorb nutrients, which keeps organs, tissues, and cells functioning properly.
Water consumption also can help you avoid dehydration, which occurs when you lose more water than you consume. Lack of water can leave you feeling sluggish and fatigued, but dehydration can disrupt temperature regulation, digestion, and even circulation.
Along with supporting other bodily processes, water is also crucial to ensure optimum brain function. Cognitive abilities are directly impacted by insufficient water consumption, as it can lead to problems with focus and mental fatigue. Lack of water is also linked to a greater frequency of headaches.
However, you can avoid these issues by ensuring you’re drinking enough water during the day. Doing so can improve your reasoning ability, enhance your memory, and increase your energy levels significantly.
Your water intake depends on numerous factors, such as the climate and your activity level. While needs vary from person to person, drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day is a good starting point. Another good rule of thumb is to drink enough so your urine is clear or light yellow.
When it comes to physical activity, you can stay hydrated by drinking water before, during, and after workouts. If you find it difficult to maintain proper water consumption, consider carrying a reusable water bottle with you when you go out so you can easily stay hydrated throughout the day. Some fruits and vegetables can also help satisfy your hydration needs if they have a high water content.
Your body will also give indications that you’re not drinking enough water based on your needs. Here are some signs that you need to drink more water:
Most people need to increase their intake of water during the hot summer months. Keep in mind that by the time you’re feeling thirsty, you may already be experiencing the mild effects of dehydration.
When it comes to your wellness, staying hydrated is an essential part of the process. It’s also important to understand your health so that you can be an effective advocate for yourself when it comes to medical care.
In this case, DrOwl is a free healthcare app that gives you the ability to sync your medical records from numerous providers, including Medicare, the VA, and thousands of others. You can also combine those records into one convenient place, as well as access physician-trusted resources about a variety of health topics. With our app, you can better understand your health and wellness which helps lead to better results.
