Why Hydration Is Important

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?

If yes, you may be experiencing dehydration. Drinking a healthy amount of water each day gets rid of waste, regulates body temperature, protects cells and sensitive tissues, delivers nutrients to cells, and lubricates joints. Being well hydrated improves sleep quality, brain function, and mood. So, drink up! Staying hydrated is beneficial to your health and quality of life.

Every living thing needs water for survival and health. Feeling thirsty is the most obvious sign of dehydration, but there are other more insidious signs telling you to drink more water. Symptoms of dehydration may include bad breath and dry or flushed skin. Saliva is produced through hydration and contains antibacterial properties. With lack of salivation, bacteria grow inside the mouth causing bad breath, and it’s all due to dehydration, but how much water should we drink? It’s recommended to drink about eight glasses of water each day, but more or less depending on your lifestyle, activity and the season. A person’s age and weight also play as factors. You will know if you are appropriately hydrated if your urine is clear, not dark in colour. Drink plenty of water outside in the summer months for protection against heat related illness. Other factors affecting hydration levels are exercise and general health. Did you know? About 20 percent of fluid comes from the food we eat. Melons, for example, are very high in water by weight, and other fruits and vegetables are high in fluid content.

Fresh foods high in water content:

To maintain hydration, drink clean filtered water with each meal and between meals, before, during and after exercise, if you feel hot, and when you feel thirsty. Sports drinks are popular, but beware of beverages containing a high amount of sugar. Sugar can increase your need for hydration.

Spice it up! Adding lemons, blueberries, mint or another fav fruit adds vitamins to your drinking water, and encourages rehydration through a desire for good taste. Drink water at a comfortable temperature and not too cold, as ice cold water can trigger congestion, throat, and stomach aches. In many cultures around the world, hot teas and soups on a hot day aids in rehydration without shock, aids digestion, and builds the body’s immune function through rehydration and vitamin uptake.

Summerland Guardian Pharmacy has been serving the local community and continue to offer a wide range of home healthcare products. We care about your health! For help with prescriptions and online shopping, call (250) 494-0531 or filling out the web form on our Contact page. Thanks for visiting!

Further Reading: Vitamins for Health – Vitamin C