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Hydrate In the Heat

Summertime is here and this is the time of year where you really need to stay hydrated especially if you are going to be outdoors.

Water and the Human Body

Water is a chemical substance made up of one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms connected by a covalent bond. It is exists in 3 states- liquid, ice, and steam. Most of us drink it in the liquid state sometimes with ice, but the body requires one to seven liters a day to function properly. Health advocates say you need at least 8 cups of water (which is about 2 liters) a day to maintain proper hydration levels. Of course, that depends on age, level of activity, climate, temperature, and a few other factors. Every person has a different amount they need on a daily basis. You can also get water through food like fruits and vegetables.

Water is necessary for every system of your body to work. The functions below will give you a better understanding on the role water has with the human body.

    • Water helps to maintain proper metabolism in our body.
    • It helps to regulate and maintain our body temperature.
    • It present in the blood carries oxygen and nutrients to all out cells.
    • It moisturizes air in our lungs.
    • It is used as a conductor for all substances in the body.
    • It cleanses toxins from out body parts.
    • It increases the immune system.
    • It is essential for digesting food.
    • It helps to cushion our joints.
    • It helps the body to fight against disease.
    • It helps you lose weight by flushing by-products of fat breakdown.
    • It is great for anti-aging by making the skin supple and taut.

 

The Effects of Going Without Water

Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in. The body naturally loses water through breathing, sweating, using the restroom. You have to replenish the body with a significant amount of water to make up for this loss. Our bodies are about 2/3 water so that means that every cell in your body needs water from head to toe. Being 2% dehydrated for your body can have serious mental and physical functions. Being 15 to 20% dehydrated is lethal. Dehydration will reduce a person protein synthesis which is required for building and repair. That is why being hydrated is very important to fitness and fat loss.
These are harmful effects from dehydration:

    • Exhaustion
    • Migraine
    • Dry skin
    • Muscle cramps
    • Constipation
    • Kidney problems
    • Confusion
    • Heart racing

If you notice any of these symptoms, you might be dehydrated:

    • Dark yellow or orange colored urine
    • Tired
    • Dry skin
    • Thirsty
    • Hungry

To prevent dehydration, drink water throughout the day. Especially before, during, and after exercise. If at any point of the day you feel thirsty, than reload on some H2O. Even if you are not thirsty, keep chugging water to hydrate and nourish the body. Just don’t drink too much water or you can risk water intoxication. Yes, there is such a thing as drinking too much water.

Stay hydrated my friends,

Marzia


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