Drinking fluids is the first front of a well-nourished and healthy body. Fluids carry the nutrients you take in to your cells, they flush bacteria from your bladder and also prevent constipation. Dehydration is a serious condition and can cause fatigue, headaches, low blood pressure, cramps, dry skin, dizziness, … and the list goes on and on.
Depending on age, sex, and fitness, the fluids in your body make up between 50% and 78% of your body mass. That’s massive! Considering these proportions, one could easily assume that humans are nothing less than cucumbers with feelings.
The different body compositions are due to the fact that fatty tissue contains less water than lean tissue. Another important factor to affect the fluid proportions in your body is your hydration level. Typically, you already feel thirsty after missing “only” 2% to 3% of your body’s fluid. The quotation marks where added because if you’re an adult, that’s between 1.7 and 2.2 litres of fluids that your body is signalising you to provide it with. (Please note: This is not the recommended fluid intake per day, it is the amount of fluid missing when you feel thirsty).
There are probably just as many benefits of staying hydrated than there are downsides of being dehydrated. In order to improve your physical performance, it is necessary to stay hydrated before, during, and after exercises. Proper hydration reduces fatigue, improves endurance, and lowers your maximum heart rate. Speaking of exercising. If you’re planning to lose weight, staying hydrated may help you achieve better, quicker, and more consistent results, than people who don’t take care of a proper fluid intake before their meals. Additionally, taking in more fluids is a big mood booster.
Taking hydration seriously and avoiding dehydration can actually improve your well-being and help you to have a better, more active life!