Keep Your Body Hydrated

One of the most common health problems that many people suffer from and don’t realize can easily be remedied. It’s called dehydration! Over three-fourths of the population are chronic victims because they fail to drink adequate amounts of water for their body’s health needs. Symptoms may come in the form of headaches, dry skin, depression, fatigue, constipation, hunger, stiff joints, and loss of sleep, as well as many other complications. The issue is that most people treat the symptom with medication instead of providing the body with what it needs and wants – “good old-fashioned water!” Did you know that our bodies are made up of 65-70 percent water? If we deprive ourselves of this vital life-support system, our bodies will literally start shutting down organ by organ. This can start happening if your body loses as little as 20 percent of its normal water content.

Now, I don’t want you to justify all liquids as hydrators because some liquids, such as caffeinated coffee or sodas, are actually dehydrators and take away from your water count. So if you must drink caffeine, consider refueling the body with an extra glass of water for every caffeinated drink that you consume. If you prefer flavored water, you may add a slice of lemon or lime.

Most of us tend to drink more water in the summertime; since that is the season we tend to be most active. During this time hotter temperatures occur, and we tend to sweat more. In actuality, it’s just as important to drink ample amounts of water in the winter. Just because it’s not hot out and you’re not working up a sweat doesn’t mean that you don’t need water. One way to help you remember to drink more water is to always carry a bottle of water with you in the car, at the office, etc. – make it a habit! You should be drinking at least half your body weight in ounces of water. For example, if you weighed 150 pounds, you should drink at least 75 ounces (a little more than a half-gallon) a day. Believe me, your body will thank you over and over again as water is the single most critical factor to health and well-being.

WENDIE PETT is a mother and fitness expert, the author of Every Woman's Guide to Personal Power and co-author of The Miracle Seven. She trains people individually and conducts seminars to corporate groups to help teach others how to maximize their wellness through the balance of mind, body, and spirit. For more information on Wendie visit www.wendiepett.com