Healthy Living: Stay Hydrated

Easy to read signs that your body is dehydrated.

It is almost summer and that means we get to enjoy all those beautiful long summer days – especially where I live with the springs, rivers, lakes and so much more.  From sunrise to sunset, we are outside playing, swimming, walking, hiking, camping, fishing, and so much more.

Just as important as the sunscreen we make sure to put on our bodies is what we put into our bodies especially water.   Water is one of the most important things we as humans need and cannot survive without.  Our bodies are made up of 75% water and even when we eat clean and exercise, if we are not staying hydrated, our health will suffer.

What is dehydration?

What most of us may not be aware of is that dehydration is the cause of many health issues including headaches, overeating and exhaustion.  A major side effect of dehydration is our bodies inability to detoxify itself and flush toxins.  Be sure to read the REAL Fountain of Youth before you leave.

How do you know you are dehydrated?  Your body will tell you. These easy to read symptoms should have you reaching for a glass of water:

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1. Thirst.  Probably the most common symptom is that you are thirsty.  Be sure that you are reading your body’s signals correctly and reach for water over food.  If you find you are still hungry after you have finished your water, then go ahead an eat a light snack.
2. Headaches.  Just like the rest of your body, your brain is about 80% water.  When you are dehydrated, your brain may actually shrink causing your nerve receptors to spring in to action which gives you a headache.
3. Stinky breath. It may not be as simple as brushing your teeth.  When your body doesn’t get enough water, your mouth produces bacteria that to put it bluntly – stinks and gives you bad breath.
4. Dry skin.  Take a moment and look at your arm.  Does it look dry and crackly? Possibly ashy?  Your blood needs to be properly hydrated to bring moisture to your skin.
5. What is the color of your urine? If it is dark in color, you are probably dehydrated.  Think about what fluids you have consumed during the day.  Your urine should be a pale yellow or even clear.
6. And finally the skin test.  Take your forefinger and thumb and gently pinch the skin on the back of your hand.  What should happen is that it quickly goes back into the normal position.  If your skin is slow to return to normal, you are probably dehydrated.

What is the easiest way to stay hydrated?  Think of your water bottle being just as important as your cell phone and keys.  Yes it is THAT important.   When you always have your water bottle nearby, it is easier to stay hydrated.  Soda drinker?  Starting this week, replace one soda with a glass of water.  Slowly increase the number of glasses of water you are drinking until you find that water is what you are drinking most of the day.