Dehydration and the importance of water

2nd May 2014

Dehydration means your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should.

Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe based on how much of the body’s fluid is lost or not replenished. When it is severe, dehydration is a life-threatening emergency.

Here are a few of many issues on why and how we can help prevent dehydration…

Count to eight…

Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolise stored fat, actually helping you lose weight. So make sure you drink 8 glasses of clean water a day if you want to stay slim. Also, drinking the right amount will also help maintain muscle tissue and give muscles their natural ability to contract.

Don’t wait until you are thirsty…

If you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Aim to drink little and often throughout the day so you never get to the stage where you feel thirsty.

Drink to feel dynamic…

Feelings of anxiety and confusion and having dry skin, an increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure and possibly feeling faint can all be signs of dehydration.

Protect muscles with water…

Water in the body binds to muscle glycogen at a rate of 4 grams to every gram of glycogen. If you starve your body of water or food, these groups are split up and although you might lose weight, its not the right weight to lose.

Shift more weight by drinking up…

Dehydration can slow down metabolism as it springs the body into starvation mode and holds onto fat cells that contain high levels of fluids. So drink up to keep your metabolism rate high.

Say AAHHHHH…

Your tongue is a good indicator of general health. If it doesn’t look pink and fleshy, you could be dehydrated or have chronic health problems such as sugar imbalance.