Our bodies is composed of roughly 60% water. That means when we are dehydrated – and most of us are – all of our organ functions are severely compromised. In other words, we function very poorly without proper water intake.
As the TED ED attached video explains, why should we drink more water?
- Dehydration kills. Water is that important. Depending on our environment, we can live only a few days max without water but can live much longer without food. For most of us should prioritize the consumption of water significantly more.
- Water DOES a body Good:Water is essential for the proper circulation of nutrients in the body. Water serves at the body’s transportation system and when we are dehydrated things just can’t get around as well.
- Better Joint Heath and LESS pain.Drinking water can reduce pain in your joints by keeping the cartilage soft and hydrated. Glucosamine helps reduce joint pain optimizing cartilage’s absorption of water.
- Improves physical performance. Hydration leads to increased athletic performance. Water composes 75% of our muscle tissue. Dehydration can lead to weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and electrolyte imbalance.
- It CLEANSES our guts: Water flushes out waste and bacteria in the form of urine and sweat. Dehydration leads to the accumulation of waste in our gastrointestinal system causing a myriad of problems, such as constipation.
- Weight Loss.Hunger ca often be confused with dehydration. Staying hydrated can serve as an appetite suppressant and help with weight loss.
- Prevent cancer. A significant body of research validates that staying hydrated can reduce risk of colon cancer by 45%, bladder cancer by 50%, and possibly other cancer risk as well
- Makes you HAPPIER.Research has also validated that dehydration can affect your mood
- Prevent headaches.Headaches can be caused by dehydration. Drinking water can prevent or alleviate that nasty head pain.
- Anti-Aging. Our skin is the largest organ in our body. Optimal water consumption facilities new skin cell growth, cleans the pores and therefore the skin if dead cells and hence improves the color and texture of your skin. Water is essential in regulating the body’s temperature and sweating.
Take Home Message:
- Drink water and other fluids until you urinate frequently and with light color
- Carry a water bottle with you as a reminder.
- Drink half your bodyweight in ounces of water (A180lbs person requires 90 oz. of water daily).
- Eat raw fruits and vegetables – they are dense in water.
The Center’s founder, Edison de Mello, MD, PhD, is a board certified Integrative Physician by the American Board of Integrative Medicine and a licensed psychotherapist by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. He practiced psychotherapy for 13 years before entering medical training and now practices and teaches evidenced- based integrative medicine. Email info@akashacenter.com or 310-451-8880 today to make an appointment with Dr. de Mello.
