I have been buried in a pile of work that needs to get off the way as soon as yesterday. Naturally, I will forget my water breaks and end up with a migraine at the end of the day. This is a not so interesting drink that we all need in our bodies. We can last weeks without food, but only a few days without water. Our bodies are made up of 50 to 75 per cent water and that plays important roles in our bodies.
Importance of water
Water forms the basis of blood, digestive juices, urine and perspiration, and is contained in lean muscle, fat and bones. Talking of bones and joints, they need lubrication and cushioning provided by water. Therefore, water plays a vital part in maintaining the health and integrity of every cell in the body.
Water keeps the bloodstream liquid enough to flow through blood vessels. It also carries nutrients and oxygen to cells. This explains why one feels dizzy when they are dehydrated. Blood and oxygen may not be reaching your brain as quickly.
Do you feel constipated and bloated of late? You may be doing yourself a disfavor by not drinking enough. In addition to fiber contained in foods, we need water for our digestion to function properly. Water aids digestion and prevents constipation.
Another vital fact is that water helps eliminate the byproducts of the body’s metabolism, excess electrolytes like sodium and potassium. It also eliminates urea, which is a waste product formed through the processing of dietary protein. The color of your urine tells you whether you are drinking enough water or not. Urine may be anything from clear meaning your water intake is OK, to dark yellow warning you to up your drinking. This reduces the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections by keeping the bladder clear of bacteria.
Want to have flawless skin? Water moisturizes the skin to maintain its texture and appearance. It also moistens mucous membranes such as those of the lungs and mouth. No need to have cracked lips when the solution is so simple. Along with moisturizing, it also regulates body temperature through sweating. I’ve realized the times when I stick to my water drinking goal, my skin usually glows.
Another benefit of upping your drinking is it provides a shock absorber inside the eyes. Ever felt an itching sensation in your eyes when you’re engrossed in an interesting book? I have severally, and it affects my reading pace. Lack of water could be a cause of the eyes itching.
Men need about 2.6 liters of water daily, amounting to 10 glasses and women need about 2 liters equivalent to 8 glasses. This variation is because of metabolism differences. The body has no way to store water and needs fresh supplies every day. So how can you make up your drinking game? Here are some tips:
Take breaks during your tight schedules to drink a glass of water. Those breaks may include time for beverages like coffee, tea or others which contain water. However, your water intake should exceed all the beverages in your diet.
Always have a water bottle with you. These days there are several stylish water bottles that you could have on your desk as you work. These bottles can be found in supermarkets and even on the streets of Nairobi. I bought mine for only a hundred shillings. The advantage with having a water bottle on your desk is it keeps your electronics safe while keeping you healthy. It reminds me that my bottle is still full, so allow me to drink up. (Refreshing!)
Eat your water from foods such as water melon, cucumbers, cauliflower, grapefruit as well as many other foods that contain about 90% water.
Did you know there’s an app to track your water intake? Waterlogged is an App on iTunes that tracks your water intake. You can go tech by downloading the app here.
Finally, moderation is the secret, don’t overdo it. If large amounts of plain water are consumed in a short period of time, the kidneys cannot excrete enough fluid. Hyponatraemia can lead to headaches, blurred vision, cramps (and eventually convulsions), swelling of the brain, coma and possibly death. You cannot just start drinking eight glasses at once when you have not been a good drinker. Start by taking water in regular sips. You will soon get hooked to it. Water is the only drink I would boldly advise you to get hooked on for a healthy lifestyle.