Hydration is important because the human body depends on water to function. Every single process in your cells, tissues, and organ systems needs water to survive and work.
Drinking enough water is crucial for body temperature regulation, circulation, joint lubrication, and keeping the body safe from infections. This is why doctors and health specialists all advise people to drink at least six glasses of water every day.
You shouldn’t wait until you’re thirsty before getting up and getting a glass of water. Thirst is actually one of the earliest signs of dehydration, and by the time you feel it, your body is already deprived of the water it needs.
Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and breakdown of many body processes. It can also happen very quickly, so you should always be aware of how hydrated you are. Here are six things that dehydrate you every day:
1. Waking Up in the Morning
Every person wakes up in the morning dehydrated. This is why it’s best to start the day with two or three glasses of water—it will make up for the six or more consecutive hours that you haven’t ingested any fluid. Opt for water-rich breakfast foods such as fruits and vegetables.
2. Any Type of Exercise
Even the lightest form of exercise will dehydrate you. Of course, intense exercise in the heat will sap your body of fluids. But even a slow walk in the park first thing in the morning affects your hydration levels. Make sure to hydrate 30 to 60 minutes before exercising, consume an electrolyte beverage during your workout, and rehydrate afterwards.
3. Too Much Caffeine
Caffeine in itself is not dehydrating as long as you drink reasonably. Drinking more than 5 mg of caffeine per 1 kg of body weight can be dehydrating. That means a 65 kg person should only consume around 300 mg of caffeine products. (Note: one grande Caffe Latte from Starbucks contains 150 mg of caffeine.)
If you drink caffeinated products daily, it can contribute to your body’s hydration as long as you only consume moderate amounts. Check the ingredient list of your drink of choice so you can keep track of your daily caffeine intake.
4. Fever
When your body is fighting an infection, your internal temperature goes up, leading to a fever. Even a slight fever will dehydrate you significantly, so you need to drink more fluids than you usually would. If your appetite is low, you can make up for the lack of electrolytes by drinking Gatorade or opting for soup.
5. Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea can be caused by bacteria or viruses that get into your digestive system. This condition often lasts two to three days, sometimes even longer. Every bout of diarrhoea leads to massive fluid loss, so you need to compensate by taking in more water. Electrolyte-rich drinks can help settle your stomach and rehydrate your body.
6. Any Outdoor Activity
Spending any amount of time under the sun will lead to fluid loss, even on an overcast day. If you’re planning outdoor activities, make sure you are wearing weather-appropriate clothing. Bring a reusable water bottle with you so you can rehydrate throughout the day.
Conclusion
Everyday activities such as light exercise, drinking caffeine, and outdoor excursions actively dehydrate the body, so you need to make sure you are consistently hydrating. Being conscious about your daily fluid intake will lead to better health in the long run.
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