70-75% of the human body is made up of water. Even our bones are made up of about 20% water, which among other things is essential for the transport of all nutrients, hormones and even waste of our body. Many times the feeling that we are not well or that we are sick is nothing more than the effects of dehydration.
We are not sick, we are dehydrated, we are thirsty! And most of us just don’t know it.
Hydration is essential for all of us throughout the year. So take notes so you do not let your body get thirsty.
Thirst can cause pain.
Yes, we have pain because of hunger, but did you know that the same thing happens because of thirst? Waiting for our mouth to dry to ask for a little more water is not right. Dehydration can cause chronic joint pain, headaches and gastric ulcers. Water is necessary to remove acidic waste away from the cells, and when we are dehydrated, this waste remains, causing us pain.
If you feel tired, dehydration may be to blame.
A study conducted by Loughborough University found that a simple 5% drop in body water levels could cause a 25-30% loss in energy. Even a 3% drop can cause blurred vision, “brain fog” and a slower metabolism. Another study by the University of Connecticut’s Human Performance Laboratory found that even 1.5% water loss led to reduced cognitive function, headaches and fatigue in 25 women and 26 men.
Allergies and asthma can be linked to dehydration.
It has been found that when the body is dehydrated, it creates a blockage in the airways in order to limit water loss. In fact, the rate of histamine production shows an exponential increase as the amount of water in our body decreases. The result is allergic reactions and reduced immunity. Chronic dehydration can even trigger a histamine release in patients with asthma, leading to inflammation and bronchial stenosis.
High cholesterol
Lack of water causes an increase in cholesterol in our body in order to prevent the loss of water by the cells.
High blood pressure
When our body is properly hydrated the blood consists of 92% water. In cases of insufficient water consumption, the composition of the blood acquires a higher concentration, as a result of which its normal flow is obstructed and the blood pressure increases.
How much water should I drink?
How much water we need is something that varies from person to person. It depends on a number of factors, including our weight, our activity, our stress level, our climate or our temperature, and our diet. But a basic guideline that we all know is that we should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
And remember. Among other things, chronic dehydration contributes to the dehydration of the skin, the largest organ of our body, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles, relaxation and of course premature ageing.
A water even to our health!
Irene Damanaki
Yoga Educator
