You've heard that hydration is important, but just how important is it to stay hydrated during the day? Those who lead athletic lifestyles are more prone to dehydration, yet it remains an issue among athletes. Here are five compelling hydration facts to help you out.
#1: You can hydrate with more than just water.
Foods are also a good source of hydration. Consider these edible water sources:
- Oatmeal: 84% water.
- Low-fat milk: 90% water.
- Lettuce: 96% percent water.
- Tomato: 95% water.
- Broccoli: 89% water.
It's a good idea to vary your liquid intake among different sources. Vling hydration mixers available at VlingMixers.com are designed to be a good source of hydration at any time of the day.
#2: You need water for proper digestion.
Water is very important for your body to fully digest the food you eat. It's necessary to moisten and break down the food with saliva, further break it down gastrointestinal secretions, and transport nutrients to your entire body via the bloodstream.
#3: Your body can't function without water.
Aside from contributing to digestion problems, a lack of hydration can cause your body to shut down completely. Every process in your body requires water, including waste elimination, muscle growth, and wound healing. In fact, you're made up of at least 75% of it.
#4: Sweating causes you to lose water on the inside and outside of your cells
Did you know that the water on the outside of your cells contains the electrolytes sodium and potassium? electrolytes help your body to retain a healthy amount of water. When you lose them, your body loses its ability to retain water. This is why it's a good idea to drink an electrolyte-rich source of liquid if you live an active lifestyle.
#5: A high amount of certain chemicals in the blood triggers thirst
When exercising, your body loses water in the form of sweat. When it loses enough water, certain chemicals in the blood become concentrated. When the concentration is high enough, your body signals that you need to take in more water.
Staying hydrated is important in more ways than one. Make sure that you get enough water each day to support your active lifestyle.