Last Updated on December 7, 2023 by Cathy
So many of us are changing our diets to improve our health but are you remembering to drink enough water? Water not only keeps you hydrated it also helps remove toxins from your body.
Dehydration occurs when you use more fluids than you take in, and your body doesn’t have enough water to replace it. Symptoms of dehydration are fatigue, brain fog, headaches, and constipation. But we are forgetting the easiest step to staying hydrated – drinking water.
Dehydration is a stressor to our body by creating a toxic environment. If these toxins are not eliminated fast enough from the body they will be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. Drinking enough water will not only remove toxins but it will help your body return to its proper balance.
10 Signs to Tell if You’re Dehydrated
- Increased thirst
- Dry mouth
- Dark colored urine
- Decreased urine output
- Tired/sluggish
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps
- Dry skin
- Inability to sweat
Why are we ignoring water?
I admit, when I was younger, I hated drinking water and rarely drank it. Not that I drank a lot of soda, juice, or even milk, I especially hated the taste of city water. I didn’t drink much of any liquids, I was therefore extremely dehydrated and didn’t even realize it.
Here are some reasons why people don’t drink water:
→ It’s boring. I agree, drinking plain water all the time does get boring. Adding fruit, vegetables, and herbs to water makes a delicious and refreshing drink. Try lemon and cucumber, strawberry and basil, watermelon and mint, or whatever fruits and vegetables that are in season.
→ Tap water tastes gross. Many municipalities use chlorine to get rid of bacteria buildup in their pipes. They also add fluoride to prevent tooth decay. It also causes health problems including gut issues. Chemicals and bacteria like E. Coli also make their way into our drinking water. All these can alter the taste of drinking water.
→ Bladder issues. This is a touchy subject, especially for those suffering from bladder issues. People with MS can suffer from frequency/urgency and incontinence. Instead of drinking more, people with bladder issues usually drink less becoming dehydrated. It’s a “catch 22” problem. One way of dealing with this is to drink earlier during the day, then stopping a couple hours before bedtime. This will help to keep one from waking up all night to use the restroom.
Problems with dehydration
Persistent dehydration can also cause neurological and autoimmune diseases like MS, type 1 diabetes, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease and lupus. Including the loss of essential amino acids getting used up as antioxidants.
When a person is not urinating enough they are not removing toxic waste from their body. Brain activity desperately depends on the presence of these amino acids. Therefore, drinking enough water becomes a priority.
Are you drinking enough water?
Our body is made up of mostly water, three-quarters of the brain is water. Drinking water is very important it not only nourishes the brain and spinal cord, it also lubricates joints and bones. If your bones are popping, like your neck, you are probably dehydrated. Hence, staying hydrated should be taken seriously and become a priority.
If your urine is a dark yellow you are not drinking enough water (some medications may affect this). You might feel tired, moody, or have a headache if you begin to feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Urine should be a light color and if you’re urinating every two to four hours you’re probably well hydrated.
Drinking sodas, coffee, fruit juices, or iced tea doesn’t count as a replacement for water. Herbal teas count as a substitute for water. However, some of these teas may be a diuretic, if you are urinating frequently you will need to also include plain water to stay hydrated.
How much should you be drinking?
You should be drinking one-half your weight in ounces. Therefore, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should be drinking 75 ounces of water. That equals out to be a little over nine eight-ounce glasses.
You can keep track by using a water diary or you can use an app like the “Drink Water Reminder” or “Waterlogged.” I like to fill a BPA-free water bottle, like the Fruit Infuser Water Bottle. It also has a dual strainer and sleeve so you can easily add fruit, vegetables, and herbs for flavored water. I fill it first thing in the morning and know I have to drink 2 & 1/3 bottles by the end of the day. Therefore, I have found this to be the easiest way of keeping track.
I also like drinking lemon water from freshly squeezed lemons since it contains electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals with an electric charge, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which play a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance and conducting electrical signals in the body.
Some Things You Can Do
Even when you are asleep your body loses water. Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning will help rebalance what you lost while sleeping. Continue drinking water throughout the day until you reach your required amount. Set a timer if you need a reminder.
Adding a filter to your faucet, under-counter or an entire house filtration system will help remove toxins and make your water taste better. (You may need to check with your local health department for required permits before installing a water treatment device.)
Benefits of Drinking Water
- Boosts your energy if you’re feeling tired or worn out drink more water.
- Helps your kidneys by removing unwanted toxins.
- Improves digestion in addition to keeping things moving to remove waste.
- Prevents headaches, dehydration can trigger migraines in some people.
- Helps your heart pump blood more effectively.
- Transport oxygen and nutrients to your cells.
- Benefits your brain because dehydration causes shrinkage of brain tissue.
In Conclusion
If you are dehydrated, it’s crucial to replenish fluids immediately to prevent further dehydration and support optimal bodily functions. Water is an essential nutrient for brain function and our bodies to function efficiently. Make sure you are staying hydrated for your brain and organ health, and also to help remove toxins. Drinking water can become a good habit, you just have to remind yourself until it does become a habit.
After all, you are working hard on your diet, removing toxins, and improving your overall health – don’t forget to drink water!
Furthermore, if you need help improving your diet you may enjoy reading How to Start the Paleo Diet
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