Maintaining hydration is not merely about survival. The body depends on water for eliminating toxins, absorbing nutrients, stimulating metabolism, maintaining healthy skin, and so much more. Chronic dehydration can lead to many symptoms and disease processes, including fatigue, constipation, head-aches, high blood pressure, allergies, and depression. Most of us are actually dehydrated to some extent. In fact, a 1998 study revealed that 3 out of 4 participants were chronically dehydrated. Survey results showed that caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and a high-sodium diet were the main culprits of dehydration. 1 Because of this, it’s important to not only consider how much water you are getting, but also your diet and lifestyle factors that could be contributing to dehydration.While dehydration can lead to a number of negative health issues, being hydrated can have a tremendous impact on your well-being.
To ensure that you are staying as hydrated as possible, make sure to follow these tips every day:
- As a general starting point, drink at least half of your body weight of water in ounces
- Drink clean, pure water such as spring water, filtered water, or distilled water. Avoid tap water where possible.
- Avoid water that comes in plastic bottles as much as possible
- Drink water 30 minutes before meals to assist digestion
- Eat electrolyte-rich, water-heavy foods such as watermelon, spinach, avocados, & soups/broths
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Reduce or eliminate sugar and caffeinated beverages
- Exercise regularly and make sure to re-hydrate
1. “6 Dehydration Facts That May Surprise You.” DripDrop Hydration, PBC. Dripdrop.com.