Proper hydration is something we should consider every day. Forgetting to drink water is easy as hours go by in our busy lives. However, keeping our bodies filled with the right fluids is essential to good health and concentration. Without adequate hydration, we can’t function as well while working, exercising, socializing, or even resting. Follow along as we discuss the importance of staying hydrated to avoid unhealthy consequences.
Maintaining Organ Function
For our organs to function properly, we need fluids to help carry blood and vital nutrients through the bloodstream and into the organs. When you are dehydrated, there is a risk of your organs not working as well as they should and even becoming damaged because they aren’t getting what they need.
Improving Sleep
Did you know that what you drink or don’t drink affects your sleep? Our bodies store up some of the hydration we get throughout the day for bedtime. The following is a list of how dehydration may affect your sleep cycle:
- Muscle cramps and spasms
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Waking up too early from thirst
To avoid these uncomfortable symptoms, drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Preventing Infection
We have barriers in our bodies called mucous membrane cells. These membranes put up a barrier so that germs and viruses don’t enter the bloodstream so easily. Mucous membrane cells are like a protective fence, and although occasionally something gets in, our chances of infection increase without the membranes. However, these guards need lubrication in the form of water to keep doing their job.
Plus, when an infection goes too far and the need for a hospital visit arises, dehydration causes complications when it’s time to insert an IV. The most common IV insertion sites can collapse when depleted of fluids, which causes the blood flow to decrease. Veins appear thinner and make it difficult to get an IV in, making it hard to receive efficient, effective treatment.
Lubricating Joints
If you are waking up with stiff joints—or if you feel stiff all day—it may be due to dehydration. Synovial fluid is what keeps your joints moving smoothly, and a component of the fluid is water. Synovial fluid lubricates the joints and creates a cushion. When that cushion depletes from dehydration, our joints can hurt as they rub together.
How To Stay Hydrated
Now that you understand the importance of staying hydrated, what can you do to make sure you’re getting enough fluids? Not all drinks are created equal. Here’s a list of some drinks you can enjoy, but don’t count on them for the best hydration:
- Soda
- Beer
- Wine
- Hard liquor
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Energy drinks
- Smoothies
- Sweet tea
Although some of these aren’t horrible options for a drink, they won’t offer as much hydration as the following options:
- Water
- Unsweetened fruit juices
- Milk
- Sports drinks
- Caffeine-free tea
- Coconut water
- Fruit-infused water
Water is always best because it’s all hydration—no sugar or salt.
Staying hydrated can’t cure everything, but it’s a great start to a healthy lifestyle. By understanding the impact of not staying hydrated, you can get the motivation you need to meet your daily hydration needs.
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