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Here’s Why You Should Hydrate Your Body At All Times!
The dryness of the desert sands, the parched lips of a traveller, and the wilting petals of a flower all speak of the same thing – dehydration. It creeps up on us unannounced, a silent thief stealing our energy and vitality.
When your body is losing more fluid than it is consuming, dehydration sets in. Your body no longer has enough water and other fluids to perform its usual activities as a result of this fluid loss. You must consume a lot of water each day to replenish those fluids. In other words, it’s not that difficult to avoid dehydration.
It’s important to have enough water every day for a variety of reasons, including maintaining normal body temperature, lubricating joints, preventing infections, feeding cells with nutrition, and maintaining healthy organs. Additionally, being hydrated enhances mood, cognition, and sleep.
So, how much water should we drink to avoid dehydration? The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, & Medicine recommends that men should drink about 3.7 litres (125 ounces) of water per day, and women should drink about 2.7 litres (91 ounces) of water per day. However, it’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and individual needs may vary depending on factors such as age, sex, weight, and activity level.
How Lack of Water Affects You
You’re Thirsty
Yes, it seems like a no-brainer in this case. On the other hand, if you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Your body uses thirst as a natural defence mechanism to notify you when your fluid levels are out of equilibrium. Anytime your thirst instinct arises, you are already out of balance and want hydration.
You’re feeling worn out
Losing bodily fluid can cause moments of exhaustion and low energy as your body struggles to function with less fluid than it requires. Increasing your water intake may help you bounce back if you’re feeling drained and flat despite getting a decent night’s sleep.
Your headaches have increased
Dehydration can reduce the amount of blood and oxygen getting to your brain, which in turn can lead to inflammation and a throbbing headache. Try sipping water to see if it helps you feel better if you have a headache before using painkillers.
You’re constipated
Water is the reason for your healthy digestion and regular, soft bowel motions. Your body will draw water from your stool if you don’t drink enough water, though. Your body will signal you to increase your water intake if you have hard, erratic, or infrequent bowel motions.
It’s taking you longer to get well
Your body functions like a machine that continuously filters out specific waste materials. The system won’t function as intended if you don’t provide it with enough water to flush, which will result in the toxins being in the body for a prolonged period of time than they should.
You have a craving
You may be surprised to learn that hunger and thirst are not as different as you might believe. The likelihood is that you are genuinely dehydrated when you feel like you might desire a snack. Try sipping a glass of water to see if the sensation goes away before reaching for the chips.
Insufficient Urination
If you’re hydrated enough, you should typically use the restroom 4–10 times each day. Your urine should be a light yellow or nearly clear hue when you go. The body needs water to flush toxins out of your system, so indicators that you aren’t giving it enough include less frequent urination and urine that is darker in colour.
Your skin is dry
Your skin happens to be the largest organ in your body, thus, requiring water to be hydrated. Your skin will appear more radiant and brighter with hydrated skin cells. Your skin might get dry and flaky, and you risk getting fine lines and drooping skin if you don’t drink enough water.
You’re not sweating enough
Another method your body removes pollutants and regulates body temperature is by sweating. Sweating may lessen as a result of your body trying to conserve fluids while you’re dehydrated. Your skin won’t be able to eliminate extra debris and oil that it gathers throughout the day if you don’t sweat. Try drinking more water for skin that is cleaner, clearer, and brighter.
You experience frequent joint pain
About 80% of cartilage is made up of water. This water serves to cushion the impact of walking, jumping, and running by preventing your bones from grating against one another. When you’re dehydrated, your joints suffer from dehydration as well as the shock of daily life.
When To Seek Medical Help
Call your doctor as soon as you see signs of severe dehydration. It is advisable to check in as soon as possible because it can strike kids quickly.
Symptoms include:
- More than 24 hours of diarrhoea
- Feeling dizzy or disoriented
- Fluids won’t stay down
- Fatigue
- Rapid heartbeat
- Bloody or dark faeces
In conclusion, hydration is the lifeblood of our bodies. It is essential for maintaining proper bodily functions and keeping us healthy. From the cells in our muscles and organs to the balance of electrolytes in our bloodstream, hydration plays a vital role in every aspect of our well-being.
If you feel the need of expertise, consult our well-experienced doctors atParul Sevashram Hospital.
So, make sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, for it is the key to unlocking a happier and
healthier you!
Dr. Komal Patel
Dr. Geetika Patel
Dr. Devanshu Patel
Dr. Atul Kumar Saxena
Dr. Dipesh Duttaroy
Ms. Ekta Modi