Everyone knows that human body consists of up to 70% of water, which is exactly what makes this liquid so precious and priceless – it actually keeps us healthy, happy, and alive, which is what matters most. But what do you actually know about proper hydration and its benefits? Do you know how to stay properly hydrated throughout the day, or to recognize symptoms of dehydration? Well, if you’re uncertain about anything, just be sure to stay with us and keep on reading. Here are four secrets of hydration you should know about, so check them out!
What is proper hydration actually?
When it comes to proper hydration, you’ve probably already heard the general advice that suggests drinking eight glasses of water per day. However, we can say that this is pretty much inaccurate, simply because there isn’t any kind of a fixed rate that can be applied to everyone. The amount of water you should drink on a daily basis depends on a wide range of factors, and one of them is your body size, because your height and weight affect the amount of water you need to drink. Besides that, hotter climates inevitably require more water, since you’re likely to sweat much more. There is also a level of your physical activity and your general state of health, as well as particular illnesses that affect the amount of water you need. Pregnant women and mothers who breastfeed will also need much more water than the average amount, so be sure you take all these factors into consideration.
How to stay properly hydrated throughout the day?
Of course, sufficient water intake is absolutely essential if you want to stay hydrated throughout the day. That’s true when talking about hydration on the inside, so remember to drink at least one glass of water when you first wake up. Besides it, you should drink it about 30 minutes before every meal, too. You can always get an app on your smartphone to remind you to drink more water, as this is quite popular among the tech-savvy people who often forget to get it done. When it comes to hydration on the outside, you should definitely adjust your skincare routine according to your skin type. If you have dry skin that tends to get itchy occasionally, you should stick to thicker creams and lotions with richer texture, as they can lock in the moisture and provide enough nourishment. On the other hand, oily skin requires lightweight formulas like serums and gels that can be absorbed really fast, without leaving your skin sticky and tacky.
What are the most important benefits of hydration?
Apart from making your skin look healthier and plumper, being properly hydrated also has so many important benefits you mustn’t overlook. First of all, it can speed up the process of losing weight, as drinking water before your meal can help you eat less and feel fuller. Just be sure you stay away from sugary drinks like soda, since these are full of empty calories. Proper hydration on a daily basis can also boost your metabolism and improve your muscle performance, simply because it’s much easier for your body to get oxygen to the muscles when you’re hydrated. Besides that, good levels of hydration can also improve your mood and make you feel much better, while reducing your blood pressure and relieving stress at the same time. All in all, proper hydration is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle, so don’t forget to bear it in mind all the time.
What are the symptoms of dehydration?
Needless to say, dry skin is one of the first and most prominent symptoms of dehydration which is visible to the naked eye. However, there are other symptoms you mustn’t neglect either, and these include having a dry mouth or a headache, feeling dizzy, having bad breath, developing muscle cramps, feeling thirsty (obviously), and not urinating as you normally do. If you’re severely dehydrated, it’s highly likely that you’ll feel extremely dizzy because your blood pressure may drop. Your heart may start beating faster, and you may get a fever, too. Your skin’s elasticity is another indicator of dehydration – if it quickly returns to its normal position when you pinch it, you’re more than fine. However, the longer it takes, the more dehydrated you are, so make sure you recognize these symptoms as soon as you first experience them and you’ll solve the dehydration problem with success.
As you can see, proper hydration is much more than drinking those infamous eight glasses of water a day. It’s a truly essential aspect of our lives we mustn’t overlook, so keep these secrets and tips in mind and you won’t feel dehydrated ever again!
