”Maine, how much water do you drink each day? Staying hydrated is necessary for many of our physiological processes. You can learn more about the importance of drinking water in this week's article. Enjoy!
Reading time: 3 Minutes
MWi Hacks:
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- Why drinking enough water is beneficial to your health
- Consequences of not being properly hydrated
MWi Summary:
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- Our bodies rely on water for all basic functions.
- Dehydration is a common cause of fatigue because it leads to improper transportation of fluids and nutritients in the body.
- Fluid intake can be supported with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
“Dehydration is a major component of fatigue since it leads to an improper transport of nutrients around the body”
Everyone knows that drinking plenty of water is good for you, but do you know why? Drinking enough water is not just advise for workout recovery; Your body relies on water for all of its most basic functions. Think of your body as a car with all of its regular maintenance fluids. Water is like the motor oil that keeps all of the mechanical components running smoothly and the coolant that keeps your engine from overheating. Water must be fairly important to your life functions if your body is composed of about sixty percent of this liquid.
In order for your body to function normally, there has to be a constant movement of fluids throughout your system. The organs and vessels in your body send these fluids around to pick up nutrients and send them to other regions for either absorption or removal. Without adequate water, your body will become dehydrated and your energy levels will suffer because of it. Dehydration is a major component of fatigue since it leads to an improper transport of nutrients around the body. Conversely, if you drink too much water you can also cause damage to your body. Hyponatremia is a potentially fatal condition where the sodium content of your blood becomes too diluted. Sodium in the blood is responsible for electrical conductivity in the body that is used to carry out active transport of nutrients across gradients and to sends signals to and from the brain.
The overwhelming majority of hydration issues among the general population are related to dehydration. The average American diet is poor in water content. Eating a diet of meat and dairy is certainly detrimental for getting the right amount of water. Most fruits and vegetables are composed of a high percentage of water, so supplementing those into your diet are not only good for you nutritionally but can also help you stay hydrated. Many common fruits and vegetables, like spinach and watermelon, are almost entirely composed of water by weight. When drinking your daily coffee or tea, you are also getting a water benefit as well; However, it is best to supplement your fluid intake with a quality mineral water because of the proven benefits, such as:
Improving blood circulation
Replacing the body’s electrolytes
Detoxifying the body
Boosting bone mineral density
MWi would like to thank the following sources for this article:
(2017). Water: How much should you drink every day? Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy- eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
