Proper hydration is undoubtedly a key element for optimal health. Unfortunately many of us forget to drink water regularly, preferring in some cases to give it up for other types of drinks which, for the most part, present risks to health.
Water, an absolute necessity for the body
The human body is composed of about 65% water, this figure even goes up to 70% in babies. A rate necessary for a good number of physiological processes and biochemical reactions in particular for:
- Blood flow
- Regulation of body temperature
- Body detoxification
The optimal functioning of several organs such as the kidneys, the heart, etc.
When your body loses between one and two percent of its total water content, it will signal its lack, that's where you feel thirsty. Using the feeling of thirst to determine the amount of water to drink is therefore the way your body will encourage you to meet your daily needs. Nevertheless, when your thirst mechanism is triggered, you are already at the beginning of dehydration, so you should not ignore it and you should rather drink without waiting to feel thirsty.
The symptoms of dehydration
That said, in addition to the sensation of thirst, other signals transmitted by your body can mean a state of dehydration:
- Fatigue and / or vertigo
- Disturbed thoughts and low concentration
- Muscle cramps
- Dull, dry skin and pronounced wrinkles
- Infrequent urination, concentrated dark urine
- Bad breath
- Mood swings
- Chills
- Back and joint pains
- Constipation
- Headache
- Sugar cravings
Your vital organs need water to function, the symptoms of mild dehydration are bothersome, and if you do not fix it, it can be life-threatening.
Dehydration causes and worsens certain diseases
Thus, after a long period of insufficient daily water intake, some chronic diseases may develop or worsen:
Asthma and allergies: Once dehydrated, your body will restrict the airways to maintain its water content.
Bladder and Kidney Problems: The accumulation of toxins and acidic waste creates an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria, making the bladder and kidneys more prone to infections, gall formation, inflammation and to pain
Constipation: The colon is one of the main areas where the body draws water when it is lacking, to provide fluids to other vital organs. Without an adequate water content, the waste moves much more slowly in the large intestine, which can lead to significant problems of constipation
Digestive Disorders: A deficiency of water and alkaline minerals such as calcium and magnesium can cause a number of digestive disorders, including ulcers, gastritis and acid reflux.
Hypertension: When dehydrated, the blood becomes thicker, resulting in resistance to blood flow and high blood pressure.
Pain or joint stiffness: When the body is dehydrated, the cartilage is weakened and joint repair is slow, causing pain and discomfort.
Skin Diseases: Dehydration hinders the elimination of toxins by the skin and makes it more vulnerable to all types of skin problems, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, wrinkles.
Weight gain: When you are dehydrated, the cells are exhausted. As a result, people feel tired and hungry, which makes them eat more.
The body inevitably needs water to fuel. To be healthy, it is recommended to drink at least 1.5 liters per day, which corresponds to 8 glasses of 200ml. Pregnant and nursing women should drink more, on average 2 liters.
