Have you ever found yourself feeling thirsty only to realize that you haven’t been drinking much water all day? It’s a no brainer that our body needs water to survive, however, we might not realize how important it is for both our physical and cognitive performance. Water plays a variety of crucial roles in our body, including temperature control, a shock absorber for our organs and joints, and as a transport system for nutrients, for electrolytes that support the transmission of electrical signals used for both movement and thoughts, for oxygen and for the removal of waste. Staying hydrated is so important for our overall health and performance.
So, what can you do to ensure you stay hydrated?
You might have heard of the 8 X 8 rule, suggesting we drink 8 cups of water 8 times a day. This amount is generally enough for the average healthy person but with that said, it can be too little for some and too much for others. Everyone’s needs differ and this is why it’s important to make a point to plan to drink water throughout the day, drink when thirsty and keep an eye out for the early warning signs you may be heading down the path towards dehydration.
There are physiological clues to keep a look out for such as darkening of the urine, urinating less frequently, constipation, bad breath and poor skin condition.
Decreased motivation & increased fatigue is a subtle cue that you may need to drink more water. This is associated with the body’s temperature regulation function. As the body’s ability to control our temperature decreases, it can make us feel sluggish impacting our performance both physically and mentally.
Experiencing difficulty concentrating & developing headaches are additional hints you may need to drink more water. Years ago, I used to take an over the counter pill with a tall glass of water when I had a headache. It seemed to do the trick at the time but I wasn’t really happy with resorting to medication. It was my wife who first suggested I try the tall glass of water without the pill and see what happens. To my surprise, it did the trick!
Dehydration can have a negative impact on your immune system contributing to frequent illness.
Weight gain can also result as sugar cravings increase and confusion between thirst and hunger occur.
Building drinking water into your daily routine and monitoring the early warning signs of dehydration can be an effective way to help ensure you are showing up at your best!
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-glasses-of-water-per-day#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4