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Hydration matters. According to NASA, the human body is about 70% water. In some
parts of the world, alcohol or soda are more easily accessible than clean
drinking water, but it’s important that every human being is consuming water
daily. There is still debate on how much water the average human should be
drinking because necessary water intake is dependent on a multitude of different variables including diet,
weather, and activity level. The body loses liquid not just through urine, but
through perspiration and respiration.
Dehydration starts to have an effect on both the body and
the mind once as little as 1% of the body’s water is lost. Losing 2-3% reduces
the body’s ability to regulate temperature and reduces energy levels and mood.
It will also reduce brain and memory performance. This makes physical
activity feel more difficult, and can also affect
performance at work or school.
Staying hydrated is beneficial for the organs, too. Dehydration
can lead to both constipation and kidney stones. Water ensures that organs are functioning properly and clearing out any unwanted materials and
toxins.
Dehydration is also a key component in why most people feel
miserable during a hangover. It is the number one contributor to the thirst,
fatigue, headache, and dry mouth experienced the morning after intoxication. Alcohol is a diuretic and interrupts
communication between the brain and the kidneys. It causes the kidneys to release more
water from the body.
Finally, water intake can help regulate food intake. Foods with
a higher water content tend to be or look larger. These foods require more chewing
and are generally slower to digest. This allows the stomach to feel fuller
longer. Drinking a glass of water before meals also helps the stomach feel
fuller. This regulates hunger pangs and can help with proper food intake.
In conclusion, whether you are an athlete, watching what you
eat, or trying to improve your performance at work, making sure you are
hydrated is a quick way to ensure that you are helping your body perform at its
best.
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