If you’re parched, it’s possible that your body has already lost 1 to 2 percent of its water content- hindering physical and mental function. This may manifest in symptoms such as headache, fatigue, decreased exercise performance, dizziness and hunger.
Blame the midday doldrums on mild dehydration. Not drinking enough water can result in mood swings and irritability. Sometimes mild dehydration can even show up as anxiety.
Studies show that a lack of liquid hydration can impair cognitive performance, which could interfere with memory, mental energy, and focus.
Water is not the most hydrating beverage. Believe it or not, milk really does a body good however when I say milk, I am referring to plant-based milk such as coconut, almond, or cashew. Milk, skimmed milk, and even orange juice hydrate better than water because they contain electrolytes that help maintain fluid balances within the body.
Produce hydrates better than water. Water–rich fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, grapefruit, cucumbers, lettuce, and celery can hydrate effectively thanks to the electrolytes that they contain. Four to five servings of these goodies per day can give a person about 18% of the daily fluids needed in the body. By upping the intake of fruits and veggies to 9 servings per day could net you an increase in almost 40% in hydration for the body.
When the body has properly hydrated the processes within the body function better. Lubrication is a key component in keeping the body balance and flowing in its natural state. This includes making sure that the processes that keep the immune system working are able to operate more effectively and efficiently as well.
A well-hydrated machine is able to glide and flow in a natural manner without getting stagnant and stuck. When we have dehydrated the processes in the body become stagnant, get stuck, back up, and begin to malfunction.
Keeping the body hydrated is a key component in assisting the body to stay regulated, flowing, and vibrant. And that includes our immune system as well.
So the next time you think about taking in some form of hydration remember the importance that hydration plays on the well being of the body and take an extra sip
or two of that water or better yet each an extra piece of a hydrating fruit or vegetable.
Here’s to your wellbeing!
Namaste,
Rochel Marie Lawson, RN, AHP, CMS
The Queen of Feeling Fabulous