Best Advice for General health

IMPORTANT! Drink 8 glasses of pure water a day.

In my first blog post, I want to delve into a topic that’s both scientific and crucial for our well-being: hydration. Many of us are unknowingly suffering from severe dehydration, and addressing this issue could alleviate numerous health problems. Water plays a vital role as the solvent that facilitates the transport of nutrients and the elimination of waste. Our kidneys rely on it to function properly, and our bowels need it for effective waste removal.

The human body is composed of about 75 percent water and 25 percent solid matter. To break it down further, water makes up approximately 85 percent of brain tissue and muscle, 82 percent of the liver, and even 22 percent of our bones. Just a 5 percent reduction in our body’s water levels can lead to a 25 to 30 percent decrease in energy, while mild dehydration can slow metabolism by around 3 percent. Even a slight 2 percent decrease in fluid levels can impair short-term memory. Alarmingly, a 15 percent drop in body water can be fatal.

Staying properly hydrated is essential for maintaining our health and energy levels, so let’s make a conscious effort to drink more water and support our bodies in their vital functions.

Causes of dehydration:

• Under consumption of water.
• Diuretic medications.
• High protein and high-sugar diet.
• Increased needs in pregnancy, exercise, hot climates, emotional trauma and shock, mental stress, sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Consuming excess amounts of caffeine and/or alcohol. One cup of coffee, take two cups of water to break even on what you lost.

Effects

• Lack of energy.
• Poor digestion, low HCI production, heartburn.
• Poor lubrication in the joints, arthritis.
• Constipation.
• Joint pain, headaches, flu-like symptoms.
• Morning sickness.
• Edema, high blood pressure.
• Renal disease, kidney stones.
• Dry skin and mucosal layers.
• Hormones, chemical messengers, and nutrients do not get distributed throughout the body.
• The liver cannot metabolize fat into usable energy.
• Histamine rations water during dehydration. Therefore, dehydration causes higher levels of histamine and lowered immunity. (Allergies, asthma).
• In a dehydrated state the body uses tryptophan and tyrosine to transport wastes out. These are needed by the brain for neurotransmitters and when they are low, depression results.
• Overproduction of cholesterol is the body’s defense mechanism to protect the cells from dehydration.

Recommendations

• Ideal amount: your body weight in pounds divided by 2 = number of ounces per day that you need.
• One glass = 8 ounces.

Now that you’re aware of the importance of hydration, it’s time to start incorporating it into your daily routine. Initially, it might seem challenging, but gradually increasing your water intake will make it easier. Over time, staying hydrated will become a natural part of your life, and you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it. Remember, hydration is not just beneficial—it’s essential for your well-being!