The Importance of Maintaining Proper Hydration

With Summer upon us, it is extremely important to stay hydrated.

Your body is constantly using and losing fluids through actions like sweating and urinating. Dehydration happens when your body loses more water or fluid than it takes in.

Symptoms of dehydration can range from being extremely thirsty to feeling fatigued. You may also notice you aren’t urinating as frequently or that your urine is dark. In children, dehydration may cause a dry mouth and tongue, lack of tears while crying, and fewer wet diapers than usual.

Your body depends on water to survive. Ever cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly. For example, your body uses water to maintain its temperature, remove waste, and lubricate your joints. Water is needed for overall good health.

Here are some of the great benefits of staying properly hydrated:

• 1. Combat Fatigue

• 2. Reduce High Blood Pressure
• 3. Halt Allergies and Asthma

• 4. Reduce Acne, Dermatitis, Psoriasis, and Premature Aging of the Skin

• 5. Stop High Cholesterol
• 6. Eliminate Digestive Disorders

• 7. Flush Out Unwanted Bacteria from the Bladder and Kidneys
• 8. Speed Up Joint and Cartilage Repair

• 9. Stop Gaining Unwanted Weight
• 10. Slow the Aging Process

Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water.

So how much fluid does the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate need? The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly about 13 cups (3 liters) of total beverages a day. The AI for women is about 9 cups (2.2 liters) of total beverages a day.