Getting enough water every day is important for your health. Healthy people meet their fluid needs by drinking when thirsty and drinking with meals. Most of your fluid needs are met through the water and beverages you drink. However, you can get some fluids through the foods that you eat. For example, broth soups and foods with high water content such as celery, tomatoes, or melons can contribute to fluid intake.
Water helps your body:
· Keep your temperature normal
· Lubricate and cushion joints
· Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues
· Get rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements
· Water can help you lose weight by making you feel full, so you consume less calories, helps speed up your metabolism, and helps to flush out fats and toxins.
Too little water can lead to dehydration, a potentially serious condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. You need to drink more water if you are exercising, live or work in warm weather, develop a fever or vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration can be a life-threatening condition. Signs of severe dehydration include not urinating, convulsions, rapid breathing, weak pulse, and loose skin.
SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION
Dryness in the mouth
Headache
Feeling dizzy
Confused or “foggy”
Feeling weak or fatigued
Best times to drink water
· 2 Glasses of water after waking up – helps activate internal organs
· 1 Glass of water 30 minutes before a meal – helps digestion
· 1 Glass of water before taking a bath – helps lower blood pressure
Glass of water before going to bed – avoids stroke or heart attach and can prevent nighttime leg cramps. When your leg muscles cramp up, many times they are seeking hydration.