Staying Hydrated: Why is it important?

Raise a glass of Water to your Health!

Let’s begin with a simple guessing game. What is the one piece of advice that is unanimously present in all health related articles? If you guessed, “Drink more Water”, then you are absolutely right. In spite of sounding like a broken record, most of the articles, keep on stressing on this one point.

The reason behind it is simple. Water is indeed the elixir of life. The human body is made up of 65% water, and it’s essential to stay hydrated to ensure that all the organs function properly. Consider water as the petrol or diesel for your body. It’s what, keeps it going.

How much Water do you need?

Now, we come to the next question. How much water is enough? Some people don’t drink more than a cup a day, while there are tonnes of others who keep track of their fluid intake religiously. You would have come across health aficionados, who chug their water bottle, along with them everywhere, noting even the tiniest ml, which enters their lips.

Apparently, the suggestion you grew up with, “eight glasses of water a day” is no longer valid. Recently, experts stated that it’s just a basic guideline and not based on any hard scientific facts. No, you needn’t put down your bottle yet. Irrespective, of the amount, one thing is undisputable – water is crucial to your health and well-being. Period.

Trust your Thirst

There is no defined amount that works for all. Your water requirement is based on varying factors like the physical exercise you do, your age, the climate of the place you reside in and several others. So, sip on water, whenever you feel thirsty. Just go by your instincts.

Formula to Calculate your Water Intake

If you want a more defined guideline, then you can make use of this formula given by Mayoclinic to determine the amount of water needed for your body.

Jot down your weight in pounds (lbs) and divide it by 2.2
Next, multiply the result by your age
Divide it by 28.3
The result is the number of ounces of water you should drink daily. You can divide this number by eight to calculate the no. of cups that you require.

Now, that you’ve worked out how much water you require on a particular day, it’s time to take a look at the reasons why you shouldn’t skip drinking it.

What Happens when you don’t Drink Sufficient Water?

#1: You gain Water Weight

Yes, it may sound counterintuitive, but skimping on water can actually cause water retention in your muscles and makes you gain weight. When your body doesn’t get enough H₂O, it holds onto every single drop, thereby making you feel bloated.

#2: You feel lethargic

Feeling tired and groggy? The reason may be that you aren’t sufficiently hydrated. Even a slight decrease in your water levels can make you feel less energetic. So, skip the caffeine and reach for your water bottle.

#3: You aren’t able to concentrate

Water not only keeps your body functioning properly but also helps you get bright ideas. The human brain is nearly 80% water, and therefore water is essential to keep your grey cells whirring at top speed. Even a slight drop in water levels can cost you a Eureka moment. So, make sure that you have your bottle in hand, the next time, you’re brainstorming.

#4: You’re likely to get a Stroke

Studies claim that people who are dehydrated not only take more time to recover from a stroke, but also have higher chances of getting it, in the first place.

#5: You get in a Bad Mood

Feeling moody and cranky? Blame it on water. Or rather the loss of it. Studies reveal that even slight dehydration up the chances of headaches and fatigues.

#6: You end up Eating More

Most people confuse thirst with hunger. If your stomach growls mid-day or late afternoon, the chances are that you’re thirsty and not hungry. Instead of reaching for the junk, drink a glass of water; wait for twenty minutes to check if your hunger has subsided. Your body will thank you for not eating that calorie dense snack.

#7: Your Metabolism Slows Down

Looking to shed a few kilos? Then, make sure that you’re sufficiently hydrated. Lower water levels mean lower metabolic rates, thereby throwing a spanner in your weight loss plans.

#8: Your Skin becomes Lacklustre

Water helps to make your skin look supple and plump. When you don’t drink enough water, fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear as the collagen on your skin cracks. Keep your insides hydrated to glow on the outside.

#9: You Get Bathroom Troubles

Spending an hour on the potty daily? You are dehydrated. When your body feels that you aren’t getting enough water, it absorbs all that’s present in your system making it difficult to expel waste.

#10: Your Internal Organs function poorly

For the kidneys to do their job, you require water to dilute the food you eat. Without water, your kidneys go into overdrive and can even lead to kidney stones. Similarly, dehydration makes your heart work harder and causes insufficient blood flow to your vital organs.

Well, that’s scary!

Bottoms Up -Slowly

Water makes nearly two-thirds of your body. You lose water each time you pee, sweat and even as you breathe. So, it’s highly essential that you keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.

Here’s a simple plan to help you out: Make it a habit of drinking a glass of water as soon as you get up and thirty minutes before you have your meals. (This helps to curb appetite, too) Keep a water bottle with you at all times. This prevents you from reaching for sugary drinks and caffeine.

If you find it boring to sip on plain water, then you can squeeze a few drops of lemon or drop a few mint leaves or pieces of ginger to spice things up. Before you realise it; your body will be reaping the numerous benefits of the miracle of life – H2O.