If our body is a machine, water is the fuel that keeps it running. 2.2 million children die
every year due to dehydration caused by diarrhea and the average adult is
not able to survive past 10 days without water. This is why you should
never leave home without packing a bottle of Austin Bottled Water.
First, let’s look at what happens when you don’t get enough water.
Your very cells
start to shrink
. Your kidneys will start to suffer as they are unable to continue flushing
the toxins and waste from your blood. Other organs such as your brain or
your heart may feel the effects of dehydration and not function well or, in
rare instances, begin to fail. You will be clumsy, suffer from fatigue and
might even go into shock or have seizures. Of course, the first few signs
of
dehydration are subtle
. So subtle that you might not even notice it. Instead of a dry mouth you
might notice that you are more peckish and feel hungry - the fact is that
your body recognizes that there are no water sources and is trying to
rehydrate with food. Certain fruits and vegetables have high content of
water such as strawberries, cucumber and celery.
How much water is enough?
This really depends on the individual. Taking weight, gender, activity
level into consideration as they all play a part in determining how much
water you need. However, the standard is around 30 to 50 ounces per day, or
eight tall glasses of water. If you are extremely athletic or you spend a
lot of time under the sun whereby you sweat a lot, you will need to
replenish those lost fluids.
Also, you won’t be able to rehydrate simply by chugging large amounts of
water. Your body needs time to absorb and retain the moisture you’re
pouring into your body. Therefore, it’s best to sip a glass of water over
an hour rather than polishing off the whole 1.5 litres in one sitting. Not
only will that make you sick, it will not benefit you much.
Best time to drink water?
Contrary to popular belief, the most effective time to drink water is not
right after you finish an intense game of basketball or any other strenuous
activity but on an empty stomach when you’ve just woken up. When you feel
thirsty, it’s already too late as you are already suffering the effects of
dehydration. When you’re properly hydrated, you will not feel thirsty at
all. You should drink before you get thirsty so aside from drinking once
you water up, before meals and before bed, you should get into the habit of
taking a drink of water every once in a while “just because”.
Warm or cold water?
The Chinese believe that we are made from hot and cold properties known as
Yin and Yang, and water is a substance that keeps everything in balance.
But this water has to be warm, not room temperature nor cold. This is
because the warmth from the water is able to help with blood circulation
and is generally good for the body in the way that ice cold water is not.
Therefore instead of picking up a bottle of water, invest instead in a
thermos and carry warm water around with you to reap the best benefits of
drinking water.