Stress and Dehydration

Second to air, water is our bodies most vital substance. Water is a key component for our body to function. It effects bones, blood, muscle, skin, saliva, organs, etc. It is necessary for digesting and absorbing vitamins and nutrients, proper digestion, detoxifying the liver and kidneys, and carrying away waste.

Our Bodies Depend on Water for Survival and Health

We lose water every day when we breathe, sweat and go to the bathroom. Because our bodies can’t store water it is important that we replace it throughout the day.

Without the right amount of water, our bodies become dehydrated and stop working properly. One of the least known, yet detrimental consequences of dehydration is stress.

When under stress, our heart beats rapidly; we breathe shallower and faster, and perspiration increases causing our body to lose more water.

A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that dehydration by as little as half a liter (2 cups)  “…strongly increased cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine, the primary stress hormones.” Our bodies assume a survival mode and take the fight-or-flight position. The stress hormones remain activated until the stressful situation, or state of dehydration is resolved.

Without replacing the water lost a vicious cycle is established: Dehydration causes stress and stress causes dehydration.

Of course dehydration is not the only cause of stress, and drinking more water won’t make our problems go away. But it is safe to say that drinking enough water is a positive first step toward breaking the dehydration/stress cycle.

According to new research, up to 75% of Americans may be functioning in a chronic state of dehydration. Although many of us understand the importance of staying hydrated, it is easy to forget to drink water throughout our busy days.

Here are some tips to make staying hydrated easier:

– Fill a stainless steel or glass bottle with Purified Water and keep it with you wherever you go.

– Keep a glass of water next to your bed so you can drink right before you go to bed and first thing in the morning. Your body loses water while you sleep.

– Take small sips when you drink allowing your body to absorb the water. Make sure not to down big amounts at once this will overflow your kidneys.

– Avoid caffeinated beverages including: coffee, tea and sodas. These beverages will only worsen the stress condition and weaken the adrenal system, which is central to the hormonal system – drink Purified Water instead.

– Keep a record of how much water you drink throughout the day.

– Hydrate before, during and after exercise.

– Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink water, by then you may be 2 glasses below your normal water needs.

– Drink more when you’re sick. Even though you don’t feel like it, you really need to keep hydrated to help your body recover from various infections. If you’re dehydrated, you’ll feel much worse.

Remember that our health is truly dependent on the quality and quantity of the water we drink. If you want to improve your water let us know!

Gainesville: (352) 372-2707 – Ocala: (352) 369-1707 – Toll-Free: (800) 516-8962

Or Email us: info@BestWaterSolutions.com

You can also complete the form on http://bestwatersolutions.com/free-water-analysis and a member of our team will contact you to make an appointment at your earliest convenience.