HYDRATE
“Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends…”
– Jacques Cousteau
Water is the essential fluid our bodies need. Pure, simple and calorie-free water was our natural hydration choice in the beginning and remains the mainstay of our health and wellness. Through proper hydration, our bodies can function optimally and our minds can think faster, more clearly and more creatively.7 If these reasons do not give you enough incentive to drink water, keep in mind that staying properly hydrated may help prevent your brain cells from shrinking and protect you against Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Lou Gehrig’s disease.7
When you do not hydrate adequately, your body shifts into crisis mode and slows its basic processes and your metabolism.8 Chronic dehydration can wreak havoc on your health by making you more susceptible to an onslaught of health complications (eg, blood sugar imbalances and diabetes,9 hypertension,10 osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease [DJD] and degenerative disc disease [DDD],8,10,11 kidney stones,10 constipation,12 gall stones13). A lack of clarity and focus, poor memory, headaches, lethargy and fatigue, sleep issues, anger, depression, mood instability and other insidious conditions are also associated with dehydration. Chronic dehydration is a recognized factor in dementia.7
Hydrate well with water and drink in the health benefits.
References
7 Hearn M, Hearn N. Water and brain function: How to improve memory and focus. Water Benefits Health Web site. http://www.waterbenefitshealth.com/water-and-brain.html. Accessed February 28, 2017.
8 Cespedes A. Does dehydration slow metabolism? Livestrong.com. March 13, 2016. http://www.livestrong.com/article/409152-does-dehydration-slow-metabolism/. Accessed February 28, 2017.
9 Fitzgerald J. Chronic dehydration part 12: it leads to obesity and diabetes. Healthy Beginnings. August 29, 2013. http://hbmag.com/chronic-dehydration-it-leads-to-obesity-and-diabetes/. Accessed February 28, 2017.
10 Medical West. The dangers of dehydration. Medical West Web site. http://www.medicalwesthospital.org/the-dangers-of-dehydration.php. Accessed February 28, 2017.
11 Webber V. Does drinking more water help with joint pain? Livestrong.com. January 28, 2015. http://www.livestrong.com/article/448421-does-drinking-more-water-help-with-joint-pain/. Accessed February 28, 2017.
12 WebMD. Water: a fluid way to manage constipation. WebMD Web site. http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/water-a-fluid-way-to-manage-constipation. Accessed February 28, 2017.
13 Health and Fitness. The most common causes of liver diseases and gallstones. Health and Fitness Web site. http://www.fitnessmatter.com/update/health/fitness/most-common-causes-of-liver-diseases-and-gallstones/. Accessed February 28, 2017.
Brazos Minshew 