Drink to Health!

More and more people are realising that added sugar in beverages is not too healthy and adds unnecessary calories. Water is vital to the human body and we can not live without it. It is one of the key contributors to wellness. Amongst its many functions, water helps regulate body temperature, transports nutrients and Oxygen to cells, flushes out toxins and waste, cushions joints and protects organs and tissues. It is recommended that you drink at least 8-10 glasses of pure, safe water every day. If you have an active lifestyle,you will need even more: at least 10-12 glasses a day. It is important that you pay attention to the quality of water you consume for good health and to safeguard against water-borne illnesses!

Are You Drinking Enough?

If you do not manage your water intake well you can be dehydrated. Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than its intake. It is a common phenomenon as many of us forget to drink up as often as we should. You can get dehydrated in summers as well as in winters and are more likely to get dehydrated after physical activity and air-travel.

When you wait until you are thirsty, you are already a little bit dehydrated. In fact, thirst is the first sign of dehydration so do not wait until you are thirsty and keep drinking water throughout the day. Dehydration is cumulative, your body can not rehydrate itself, consistent daily intake of water is necessary.

Here are some signs and symptoms of dehydration, though these may vary from person to person: Fatigue, Loss of appetite, Heat intolerance, Light-headedness, Dark smelly urine, Dry cough, Muscle cramps, Headache, Dry skin, Confusion, Muscle weakness.

Hydration Tips

Here are some tips to help you make sure your body is properly hydrated at all times.

• Drink water regularly throughout the day. You only start feeling thirsty when your body has probably already lost two or more glasses of water, so do not wait that long!
• Carry a bottle of water with you, so you can keep drinking as you work or run errands. No matter how busy you are, remember to take a water break.
• Keep track of your body's water needs. If your urine is clear and light coloured, you are well hydrated.
• End your day with a glass of water, and start it with one as well. Your body loses water even when you are sleeping.
• When it is hot outside, cold water is the best fluid to be hydrated. Cool water is absorbed quicker than warm fluids and can help cool down your overheated body.
• Kids enjoy drinking sweetened and carbonated beverages. Get them in the habit of drinking water early in life.
• Even if it is cold and you are not feeling thirsty, keep drinking. We often lose water without noticing in the winter when it does not seem as though we are perspiring.
• Do not try to hydrate with caffeinated beverages, as caffeine makes you lose water. So along with your daily cups of coffee or tea, keep having plain water too. Your body will thank you!
• Perspiring drains a lot of water from your body. When working out, drink two glasses of water for every pound lost.
• When you exercise, do not wait till you are done to have a drink. Instead, keep taking little water breaks.
• If you have a cold or the flu, you are at risk of getting dehydrated. Keep a large bottle of water with you to keep sipping without getting up.