Dehydration

Most of us are familiar with dehydration – failure to have adequate water in the body.  And while this can be caused by not drinking enough water, spending too much time in the heat, medical conditions or illness, what most of us don’t realize is what adequate hydration looks like, and why it is so important.  Indeed, many of us are walking around without sufficient fluids, and our body has in many ways adapted to the altered intake.

The majority of the body is made up of water, and more than that, water is required for a significant number of regular body functions and normal day-to-day activity. Digestion and elimination use significant amounts of water, so does the natural energy generating process. Our blood is made up partly of water as well, and without adequate fluids, circulation, blood flow and oxygen delivery can all be compromised.

The body is very good at keeping internal fluid balance, but dehydration occurs when inadequate water is obtained and the balance is lost. This can also occur through an imbalance in electrolytes such as salt, magnesium and potassium.

Did you Know?

• It is also possible to become overhydrated! Known as hyponatremia, this is when you drink too much water, essentially diluting your blood and disrupting your electrolyte balance.
• Water is important for weight loss for more than just helping you stay full. Drinking one litre of cold water can burn up to 28 calories, which adds up to approximately 1,700 calories a month if you drink 8 glasses of water a day.
• 70% of the human brain is made up of water. It makes sense why headaches and poor concentration are symptoms of dehydration.
• Your body produces nearly two cups of water per day as part of metabolic processes, digestion and sweating. In addition, as your muscles burn glycogen for fuel, they give off twice as much water as they burn! Sweaty muscles!
• When you get hot, or are active, your body sweats inside and out! The cells inside of your body release water to regulate internal temperature and your pores release water as well.
• Your kidneys are the main organ responsible for helping regulate fluid levels in your body. They do this by acting as a recycling center, reusing water as necessary, or sending it out as your pee!
• When individuals speak of “water weight,” this is indeed extra water stored in the body due to diet and lifestyle. Losing it will only be temporary unless you make complete diet and lifestyle changes.

From difficulty concentrating, to low energy to inability to perform athletically, there are many ways that dehydration can affect you and it shows up through different symptoms for everyone. Here are some common things you may expect:

• Severe fatigue, low energy or just a general status of lethargy
• Constipation or difficulty with elimination
• Headaches
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Cravings for sugar or salt
• Struggling to perform in athletic activities, such as running or outdoor team sports

This is just an example of some of the symptoms that can be indicative of dehydration, and only in the early stages. Severe dehydration has outcomes that are much worse and may require hospitalisation if left untreated.

In most cases of dehydration, individuals can simply consume water and with time, will become adequately rehydrated. However, there are other options for maintaining hydration levels, including:

• Consume regular daily intake of the Health Hydration system fluids. This is a system of teas that are strategically created to be able to offer an adequate intake of fluids alternative to water, which help in reestablishing hydration.
• Choose natural herbal teas which offer a nutrient benefit, as well as hydrate, such as the afternoon tea.
• If you do not like water alone, add herbs and natural plants to water, such as mint, ginger or lemon. These will encourage you to drink fluids, as well as offer additional health benefits.
• In the winter, if you struggle to consume adequate hydration because it is cold, start the day with hot herbal tea, such as our morning tea. It increases your fluid intake early on, as well as offers a natural energy boost from the matcha.
• Likewise, at this time of year, when it is hot and you need extra fluid, make iced tea in addition to the water you are drinking. This makes a great option for an afternoon pick-me-up without the calories of a snack, while simultaneously increasing your energy levels.

Want to know more about how you can hydrate optimally? Let’s go!