30 Dec Benefits of Staying Hydrated

The key to remaining optimally hydrated throughout the day is to understand that it must be a gradual process. As our bodies age, we lose the ability to eliminate water from our systems as easily as we were able to when we were younger. In addition, climate and exercise levels can change the amount of water we need to intake in a day to remain healthy and functional. 

Hydration is incredibly important for the proper functioning of the heart and muscles. Your heart is able to perform more optimally and does not have to work as hard to pump blood throughout your body when you are well hydrated. 

Healthy people should aim to intake somewhere between 30 and 50 ounces of water each day. Many health experts recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces.

Where you get your water from in your diet also matters. Sugar-laden sports drinks and soda do contain the water that your body needs, but they are also packaged with additives and chemicals that can be difficult for your body to metabolize. Sports drinks as well as various packaged juices are also a way you can intake a surprising amount of calories without realizing it.  

Two excellent sources of water that are often overlooked for their water content are:

• Fruits high in water content such as watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes.
• Vegetables high in water content such as bell peppers, zucchini, cabbage, and cauliflower. 

Another topic to note is the effect that various diuretics have on your body’s hydration levels. Diuretics act in different ways but they often target the kidney and cause your body to increase the amount of fluid excreted in your urine. The most prolific diuretic in our culture today is caffeine, and increased intake of caffeine in your diet must be supplemented with increased water consumption to avoid dehydration. 

Dehydration is a serious problem, but remaining on top of your hydration levels each day can lead to a variety of health benefits as well as a fuller life. 

Links :

• https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-importance-of-staying-hydrated
• https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/staying-hydrated-staying-healthy 
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/19-hydrating-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2 
• Photo by Boxed Water Is Better