Hydration Benefits from H to O
From the past couple of years owing to the overall increase in global temperatures, Summers have turned quite harsh and the heat can take a toll on our bodies. Staying indoors during the peak hours of the day and during heat waves, using sunscreen are just few of the topical solutions. Staying Hydrated on the other hand is highly essential and beneficial in more ways than one.
CONSTIPATED NO MORE…
Your digestive tract needs water to function properly and move food waste through the body. In fact, dehydration can cause chronic constipation. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent and relieve constipation, especially in people who generally do not drink enough water.Carbonated water shows particularly promising results for constipation relief, although the reason is not entirely understood. (Please note that carbonated water consumed plain and not in the form of High sugar induced fizzy drinks).
CLEAR WATER = CLEAR THINKING
Mild dehydration (fluid loss of 1-3%) can impair energy levels and mood, and lead to major reductions in memory and brain performance.
Drinking water increases sympathetic nervous system function – that’s the fight or flight response. Thus, one reason for the boost in brain power is that when we’re hydrated, the response makes us more alert.
SIP SOME LITRES, DROP FEW POUNDS
One thing’s clear: Water is a zero-calorie drink. Therefore, when you drink water instead of a soda or fruit juice, you’re avoiding unnecessary calories. But drinking water might also help you feel fuller.
The timing is important too and drinking water half an hour before meals is the most effective. It can make you feel more full, so that you eat fewer calories
HANGOVER? WATER TO THE RESCUE
A hangover refers to the unpleasant symptoms experienced after drinking alcohol.Alcohol is a diuretic, so it makes you lose more water than you take in. This can lead to dehydration. Although dehydration is not the main cause of hangovers, it can cause symptoms like thirst, fatigue, headache and dry mouth.
A good way to reduce hangovers is to drink a glass of water between drinks, and to have at least one big glass of water before going to bed.
PRESSURE? NO PRESSURE!
Both high and low blood pressure can be a direct result of dehydration. For instance, when you’re dehydrated, the ratio of sodium in your blood increases. This increase causes the kidneys to work harder to remove waste, and in turn, your blood pressure rises.
Low blood pressure, on the other hand, is also related to lack of water in your system, because dehydration can cause a decrease in blood volume, resulting in decreased pressure in the blood vessels.
WHY SO TIRED?
Fatigue and tiredness are common symptoms of dehydration, and this has been observed in several studies. Even mild or moderate dehydration – which is indicated by the feeling of thirst – causes decreases in alertness and concentration, a direct result of fatigue.
So, grab a bottle or glass, fill it to the brim and start hydrating to keep dehydration at bay! If plain water seems too boring, infuse it with mint, cucumbers, etc. for a refreshing taste. To know more, keep reading this space as we continue to provide more information related to Hydration.