California’s drought lasted 376 weeks. And according to officials, it began on December 27, 2011 and ended on March 5, 2019. There are many negative effects of droughts. Weather conditions are primed for fast-spreading and dangerous wildfires. The reduced water allocations can potentially harm sea life consequently reducing our ecosystem. Unstable ground surfaces can form and eventually sink resulting in major costly infrastructure damage.
Why am I writing about droughts? Because the consequences of being dehydrated are as severe as an environmental drought. Body Designs 223: No Limit on Hydration Benefits, will explain that the sky’s the limit to being hydrated.
Water covers 71% of the earth. Did you know that the human body is 66% water by weight? Pretty similar percentages, eh? And the adverse consequences of them both lacking enough water are just as similar.
BENEFITS OF BEING HYDRATED
1. Energy, Respiratory and Immunity Levels Increase:
The body maintains proper pH levels when properly hydrated. Oxygen uptake increases and improves energy levels. Therefore, by distributing oxygen, collecting carbon dioxide and dissolving gases that form in the body. The absorption of vitamins and minerals will lead to a greater immune system to fight off diseases.
2. Physical and Physiological Performance Increases:
As a result of low blood volume, dehydration can cause fatigue, reduce motivation and result in mood swings. Therefore, consuming enough water to stay hydrated allows the heart to pump adequate amounts of blood throughout the circulatory system. This will allow the body and its organs to function optimally. For example when the brain suffers from a low blood supply, the occurrence of headaches, anxiety and short-term memory loss increase.
Because water helps maintain the appropriate viscosity of the blood, when the body is dehydrated, the blood thickens. This can lead to heart disease or even a heart attack.
Moreover, according to the International Kidney Stone Institute, in order to prevent the development of kidney stones, one must consume 20 liters of water a day. Also, proper hydration makes for peak sports performance. In all “athletes” (novice or a pro), sweat causes fluids and electrolytes to escape from the body. Because of this the body can experience cramps, spasms and soreness. So, fueling up with water prior to exercise limits those conditions by stabilizing body temperature on and off the field of play.
3. Eliminates Toxins:
Water is the transporter of oxygen, nutrients, and hormones throughout the body. As a result, it also provides a medium for the removal of toxins, dead cells, and waste material.
4. Increases Metabolism:
A study done by German researchers concluded that drinking 500 ml of water increased the metabolic rate by 30 percent. Amazingly, the jump in the subjects’ metabolic rate was seen within 10 minutes of drinking the water and it reached a maximum after 30-40 minutes.
5. Prevents Osteoporosis and Backaches:
The Linus Pauling Institute, reports that those who drink adequate amounts of water have reduced risks of osteoporosis “porous bones” and hip fractures. A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology reported an increase in the stress hormones associated with Osteoporosis. Subjects that tested at just 2.5% below hydration and -5.0% of body mass were at risk.
Similarly, when the spinal cord, which house a large amount of water, lacks enough fluid, back pain ensues. Therefore, water can eliminate or even prevent many occurrences of back pain.
Final Thought:
In conclusion, I am sure it is no surprise that hydration has many benefits, remember, the National Academy of Medicine recommends letting thirst guide your water consumption habits. However, set an even higher volume of total daily water intake. Therefore, the average adult male, 3.7 liters (15 cups). And for the average adult female 2.7 liters (11 cups).
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