HYDRATION ~ KEY TO HEALTH

As Dietitians, we really cannot express enough how important ADEQUATE DAILY HYDRATION is to your HEALTH. The adult human body is made up of about 60% water - and every essential physiological function that our bodies do every day REQUIRES WATER. For example, our bodies need water to/for: - Support the blood transport of nutrients and oxygen to cells

- Internal body temp regulation (via respiration and sweating)

- Regulation of digestion and bowel movements (healthy poop)

- Detox - flushing waste products from the kidneys, liver and lymph

- Protection of the body, vital systems and organs (spinal cord, brain, heart, growing fetus)

- Joint lubrication

- Moistening tissues like the eyes, nose, mouth, skin and intestinal lining

- Supporting the synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters

- Weight loss and weight maintenance

So many people walk around in a chronically DEHYDRATED state on a daily basis. Getting enough WATER is critical to our HEALTH. How do you know if you are DEHYDRATED? Thirst is the 1st obvious sign - but dry skin, chapped lips, headaches and urine that appears very concentrated are also clear signs. At MINIMUM, 6-8 GLASSES (2-2.5 liters) of water per day is REQUIRED - and while tea, flavored water, and foods still count towards your DAILY HYDRATION total, CLEAN AND PURE WATER is ideal. The BIGGEST REASON most people do not drink enough water on a daily basis? They can't stand the trips to the BATHROOM (this, by the way, lessens as your body gets used to more water on a daily basis).