Build a Better You: Hot or not: Make sure you stay hydrated

Water is involved in many important bodily functions. The main source of getting water is by drinking it but foods also can contribute to small amounts for your daily water intake. We are always told to stay hydrated and here are a few reasons why.

Maximize physical performance

Hydration affects your strength, power, and endurance. Making sure to drink enough water while exercising is essential. You may be more prone to the effects of dehydration if you’re participating in endurance training or high intensity exercise. Some negative side effects of not drinking enough water can include serious medical conditions, like decreased blood pressure and hyperthermia. Extreme dehydration can cause seizures and even death.

Creates saliva and protects your tissues, spinal cords and joints

Water is the main component of saliva. Saliva also includes small amounts of electrolytes, mucus, and enzymes. It’s essential for breaking down solid food and keeping your mouth healthy. Your body generally produces enough saliva with regular fluid intake. You may want to see a doctor if your mouth is drier than usual and increasing your water intake isn’t helping. Also, water consumption helps to lubricate and cushion your joints, spinal cord, and tissues. This will help you while exercising and lessen discomfort caused by conditions like arthritis.

Helps fight illness

Drinking enough water can help fight illnesses. These include:

Water helps you absorb important vitamins, minerals and nutrients, which will help increase your chances of staying healthy and fighting off sickness.

Aids in digestion and nutrient absorption

It has been confirmed drinking water before, during, and after a meal will help your body breakdown the food you eat easily. It helps you digest food more effectively and get the most out of your meals. In addition to helping with breaking down food, water also helps dissolve vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from your food. It then delivers these vitamin components to the rest of your body for use.

There are many more reasons why staying hydrated is important, but the biggest reason is to reduce the risk of overall dehydration.

Overall dehydration

Dehydration is the result of the body not having enough water. Dehydration can be very dangerous.

Signs of dehydration can include:

Severe dehydration can result in several severe complications, including:

It is important to make sure you drink enough water to make up for what’s expelled through sweat, urination, and bowel movements to avoid dehydration.

Here are some ideas for how you can be sure you drink enough:

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Isabela Joyce is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist at The M.A.C. She can be reached at IJoyce@the-mac.net.