It’s important to stay hydrated for a healthy lifestyle. Dehydration occurs when you lose a significant amount of body water. The average adult body is composed of 50-65% water, with men having a slightly higher percentage than women. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening.
Do you know the signs of dehydration? According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, these are common signs to watch out for:
- Reduced urination or darker urine than usual
- Strong and dark yellow urine
- Inability to produce tears
- Sunken eyes
- Confusion
- Dryness or sticky feeling in the mouth
What Causes Dehydration?
One common cause is gastrointestinal illness, which leads to fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea. It’s also easy to become dehydrated during physical activities and sports, especially on hot days, if you don’t replenish the fluids lost through sweat. Excessive caffeine consumption can also contribute to dehydration as caffeine is a diuretic, causing increased urination.
Preventing Dehydration
Preventing dehydration is important.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially on hot and dry days.
- Water is the best choice as it doesn’t add calories and is great for your health.
- Dress appropriately for the weather, wearing loose-fitting clothes on hot days to stay cooler and reduce sweating.
- If you feel dehydrated or dizzy, take a short rest in a cool place and sip water.
Keep track of how much water and water-based drinks you consume, and consider frozen fruit juice bars and treats. Remember that caffeine acts as a diuretic, so reduce your intake of coffee, tea, and sodas. Diluting fruit juice with water can also help cut back on calories.
Staying hydrated offers other benefits. When your body’s cells are properly hydrated, it positively affects your overall well-being. Hydration has been shown to:
- Significantly reduce joint pain
- Prevent and treat depression
- Aid in vision health
- Replenish healthy skin
- Assist in the elimination of waste and toxins
- Promote burning of body fat and building lean muscle.
Make it a habit to drink plenty of fluids, especially clean water. Keep track of what you consume. Your life may depend on it. This is essential health information that everyone can use. It is crucial to stay hydrated.
