Dehydration
Is water really that important? It doesn’t contain vitamins, or fiber, or protein, or carbohydrates. However, the truth is, water is vital to your well-being and it cannot be replaced with other liquids.
The mis-information and lack of knowledge by the common public has lead our society into a state of dehydration. More people are replacing this liquid life with more stressing and dehydrating beverages like coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcohol. These are NOT appropriate substitutes for the essential nutrient, water.
Dr. Batmanghelidj, author of the book, Your Body’s Many Cries for Water, believes that chronic water dehydration is the root cause of many health conditions, such as heartburn, arthritis, headaches and migraines, high blood pressure, angina, asthma, adult-onset diabetes and colitis. He also believes that most people have lost their natural thirst for water. Maybe because our water supplies are polluted and toxic and the body naturally rejects the taste?
The fact is our society is dehydrated. It is estimated that 75% of North Americans are chronically dehydrated. That means only one member in the average American household drinks enough water.
Why doesn’t coffee, soda, tea, or juice count?
One very important thing to remember is that your body doesn’t need liquids, it needs water. Have you ever tried to wash your clothes and dishes in wine, beer, pop, coffee, or fruit juice? Of course not, that would make them dirtier. In fact, you always wash your dishes after drinking a glass of soda to “clean” it. The same is true for your body.
Most of the beverages Americans choose actually require additional water to metabolize them. Because of the caffeine in coffee and most sodas, you need to consume at least the same amount of water just to break even. Caffeine forces the body to work harder, utilizing more energy and more water reserves to get this stimulant out of your system. These substances are also highly acidic and disrupt the body’s natural pH balance.
Sugar content in sodas exerts great osmotic pressure. Water must be lost from the blood in order to dilute the soda enough to leave the stomach.
In both instances your body must use your water reserves to help detoxify these acidic substances out of your body. Leaving you more dehydrated than before you drank these liquids.
Dehydrated Cells are Inefficient
A normal, healthy functioning cell will be plump and round. The inside will be full of fluid that sustains the other organisms inside. The picture to the left shows a healthy, hydrated cell.
One of the easiest ways to help the body function optimally and remain disease-free is to keep it well hydrated. Providing your body with sufficient water on a daily basis will assist in natural flushing of toxins and metabolic waste. Talk about cheap health insurance!
Dehydrated cells are inefficient. When the cell is dehydrated, there is not as much fluid inside. This causes the outside membrane to “wrinkle” which makes it more difficult for things to cross the membrane. Essential nutrients like oxygen cannot enter the cell as readily, and it is also more difficult for things like metabolic waste to leave. If your cells are not exchanging nutrients appropriately, they are not functioning properly. If your cells are not functioning optimally, how can your body?
Dehydration is often the cause of chronic pain. Chronic pain includes (but is not limited to): arthritis, headaches, GI problems, heartburn, colitis, angina, and more. There are two reasons why your body signals pain:
- The concentration of acids and toxins that re-circulate in the body send warning signals to the brain that something is wrong. These warning signals are perceived as pain signals.
- Remember, dehydrated cells have a wrinkled membrane that tend to trap metabolic waste inside the cell. When the body cannot get rid of these substances, they continue to re-circulate.
- The lubricating layer of tissue that surrounds bones and joints dry out. This causes the surfaces to rub together which causes inflammation. The inflammatory response sends out chemical messengers to the brain that something is wrong. These warning signals are perceived as pain.
How do I know if I am dehydrated?
“The best way to determine if you’re getting enough water every day is to listen to your body,” says Dr. Robert Shmerling of Harvard Medical School. Ask yourself these questions:
- Are you often thirsty?
- Are you urinating less frequently than normal?
- Are you feeling unwell?
- Do you get dizzy when you stand up?
- Is your mouth dry?
- Are your lips chapped?
- Is your skin dry or flaky?
- Is it difficult for you to sweat?
The best way to determine if you are hydrated is if your urine has the 3 C’s:
Tips to Avoid Dehydration
- Drink pure alkaline ionized water whenever you can; thirsty or not. This is a superior hydrating system that actually increases your appetite for water. Never drink regular tap water unless you have had it tested and know it is safe.
- Consume the proper amount of water that is right for your body, not a national average that is the same for everyone.
- Drink water at room temperature. It is much easier for people to drink more water at room temperature and it is easier on your system.
- Always have a water bottle handy. Keep it in front of you at all times: at work, in the car, at home, and especially for any outside activity.
- Do not depend on fruit juice, coffee, soda, or tea. The sugar and caffeine found in these liquids dehydrate you! If you must drink juice or tea, mix it with equal parts of water to help cancel each other out.
- Consume watery fruits and vegetables: watermelon, kiwi fruit, tomato, orange, carrots, apples, etc. These can significantly improve your hydration status.
- Consume a glass of water 30-60 minutes before bedtime AND before exercise. Drink another glass or more after you’re finished.
To further educate yourself on the importance and difference in water and health, check out these other blogs:
pH and Your Health
WATER: The Liquid of Life
Alkalized-Ionized Water – Your Optimal Wellness Choice
Is Your Water Contaminated?