The human body can survive three weeks without food but cannot survive without water for more than three days. This shows how health, wellness, and hydration are interlinked and crucial for mental and physical well-being.
You can rule out water content loss before extreme dehydration, with its obvious symptoms like sunken eyes, fatigue, frequent urination, darker yellow urine, dizziness, etc. For optimal body performance, we are dependent on various water sources. This article explains the importance of proper hydration in detail.
Why Water Is Important for Maintaining Good Health
The water content in adults is around 60 percent, and in kids, it is 65 percent, varying with the height and weight of the body. Such a high portion of fluids is behind the optimal performance of the whole body. Some of its perks contributing to the mental and physical well-being are:
Higher Stamina
Humans rely on fluids for the proper functioning of our various organs. A hydrated body has better and long-lasting stamina than one with a loss of just 2 percent of water content. When you are working out, sweating lowers the inner temperature as the contraction of muscles heats up the body.
However, when you are taking enough liquids, even during high physical activities, you can tackle fatigue or lower stamina. Remember that our muscles are 80 percent composed of water, which, when significantly reduced, affects our movements and overall stamina.
Better Mental Health
Certain studies suggest the role of water intake in overall brain performance. Low concentration and impaired cognition are found in people with dehydration of just 1 percent water loss. Also, such loss results in lower memory and more vulnerability to anxiety because of the alteration of serotonin and dopamine levels.
This is why it’s recommended to take enough drinks when suffering from mood swings. A hydrated body outperforms in any field of life with high mental power.
Prevention of Headaches
Dehydration is one of the triggering factors behind severe headaches or migraines. A study suggested that people who consumed enough fluids, like 1.5 liters in a day, faced fewer migraine symptoms. This means that those who suffer from frequent headaches must strictly check their water intake. Fluids balance the body’s electrolytes and retain enough water. Also, more water consumption reduces vulnerability to migraine attacks.
Weight Management
Keeping your body hydrated results in a high metabolism and quick burning of calories. That is why improving your fluid intake is recommended when you aim to burn body fat. Not just the amount but also the timing of water consumption matters a lot in speeding up the weight loss journey.
The best time to drink water is 30 minutes before a meal. This way, your body has a feeling of fullness and will consume less calories afterward.
Treating Constipation
People who suffer from constipation need to improve their water intake as body water loss causes this issue in adults and elders. Dehydration is one of the culprits behind constipation. When the body has low water content, the intestines don’t add much water to the stools, making it hard and difficult to pass.
Enhancing fluids, especially mineral water containing sodium and magnesium, is an effective approach to avoid infrequent bowel movements.
Bottom Line
Proper body hydration is a must to ensure that all your body organs function properly. Set a target of consuming enough fluids, including milk, juices, water, vegetables, etc. You can complete the daily body requirements like 1.9 liters by consuming it in small amounts more frequently. Remember that dehydration is a serious matter and can result in organ failure or even death if left untreated for too long.