Why you should stay hydrated
In the modern world, it often feels like we are dictated to by a series of priorities. Check emails, charge the phone, get out of the house to keep ahead of the rush hour crush. And of course, get the first caffeine kick of the day as early as possible. But in the rush to get things done and get on with our day, we can very quickly become de-hydrated.
“Mild dehydration is about a 1.5 percent loss of body weight,” says Harris Lieberman, Ph.D., a scientist with the U.S. Army.
If you went about your day, taking time for some light exercise, without drinking water, you are likely to suffer mild dehydration.
What proper hydration will do for you
Remember back to those IGCSE biology online tuition around KL for biology lessons. Your body is mostly made of water!
Water allows your cells to function. And the proper functioning of your cells lies at the heart of good health.
In addition, water helps your body get rid of waste, regulate temperature and it helps your joints move smoothly. And what is often forgotten is that it is vital in helping to keep your brain working correctly.
The problem is, that we often don’t know that we are becoming dehydrated until we start to feel thirsty, and that can be a little too late for optimum health.
Tips to ensure you stay hydrated
Drink two large glasses of water as soon as you wake up. This is beneficial for two reasons. First, you will have spent a few hours without any water at all, and it will help kick start the body. And second, it can trigger a new habit, and making a ritual as soon as you wake up makes it easier to remember.
Carry a large water bottle around with you. This helps because ideally you should be taking on water little and often. The water bottle allows you to sip away until your hearts content. If you can manage to take a phone with you every where you go – you can develop the habit of taking a water bottle with you, too.
Remember fruit and veg have high water content too. It isn’t just about drinking water all the time. Grapefruit, peaches and oranges, for example, all have very high water content.
What about diuretics?
A diuretic is any substance that makes you urinate more. Typically drinks such as tea, coffee and soft drinks have been considered diuretic. However, it turns out that unless you are drinking high quantities of these (7 servings a day or more), they won’t have a particularly adverse effect.
Alcohol, on the other hand, has strong diuretic properties, making you urinate more often, which can lead to rapid dehydration. Aim to limit alcohol to 1-2 drinks and take on at least 1 to 2 cups of water between each drink to help you stay hydrated. Your body will thank you for it in the morning.
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