It’s Water!
That’s right. You’ve heard this since your first science class, YOU are made up of 60% water. Each and every one of our cells requires water to function. It helps transport oxygen + nutrients critical to the brain for optimal function. Water also has the critical role of providing cushioning + lubrication to the brain tissue. Gulp!
That’s right. Cartilage, found in joints and the disks of the spine, contains around 80% water. Long-term dehydration can reduce the joints' shock-absorbing ability, leading to joint pain.
Blood is more than 90% water + blood carries oxygen to different parts of the body.
Dehydration can affect brain structure and function. It’s also involved in the production of hormones + neurotransmitters. Prolonged dehydration can lead to problems with thinking and reasoning.
Water is needed in the processes of sweating, removal of urine + feces. Water flushes the waste and toxins outta here!
A lack of water can cause blood to become thicker, increasing blood pressure.
When dehydrated, airways are restricted by the body in an effort to minimize water loss. This can make asthma and allergies worse.
The kidneys regulate fluid in the body. Insufficient water can lead to kidney stones and other problems.
Water helps dissolve minerals and nutrients, making them more accessible to the body. It also helps remove waste products.
The kidneys play a key role in balancing fluid levels.These two functions make water vital to the kidneys.
Every day, the kidneys filter around 120-150 quarts of fluid.
Of these, approximately 1-2 quarts are removed from the body in the form of urine, and the rest is recovered by the bloodstream.
If the kidneys do not function properly, waste products and excess fluid can build up inside the body.Untreated, chronic kidney disease can lead to kidney failure. The organs stop working, and either dialysis or kidney transplantation is required.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common type of infection in the body. They account for around 8.1 million visits to health care providers in the U.S. every year. If infections spread to the upper urinary tract, including the kidneys, permanent damage can result. Drinking plenty of water is a simple way to reduce the risk of developing a UTI and to help treat an existing UTI.
Dehydration happens if we use and lose more water than the body takes in. It can lead to an imbalance in the body's electrolytes. Electrolytes, such as potassium, phosphate, and sodium, help carry electrical signals between cells.
Some of the water required by the body is obtained through foods with a high water content, such as soups, tomatoes, oranges, but most come through drinking water and other beverages.
During everyday functioning, water is lost by the body, and this needs to be replaced. We notice that we lose water through activities such as sweating and urination, but water is lost even when breathing.
So, morale of the story, when it doubt have a glass of water! Do it for your cognition, kidneys, skin and every cell in your body. They will thank you.
Friends don’t let friends dehydrate. It’s more fun to Grab a drink with a friend (even if it’s water), so Share with a friend today.
Looking for more science-backed tips to improve your brain function, skin, mood, energy + sleep? Request your invite today!