Hydration ~

"To supply water to a person or thing in order to restore or maintain fluid balance"

Our bodies DEPEND on water to survive. Every cell, tissue and organ in your body requires water to work correctly. Our bodies uses water in many different forms to aid our survival. Some functions of water within the body include maintaining body temperature, removing waste and lubricating joints. Nearly all of the major systems in our body depends on water to function. Water is essential for good health and optimum performance. 

Water makes up to 60% of an adults body, this is more than half of our body weight. We lose water from our bodies each day through forms of sweat, when you go to the bathroom and even when we breathe. Water is lost faster when the temperature is high, when you are physically active or when you have a fever. Sicknesses such as vomiting and diarrhea also cause rapid loss of fluids. When this water is lost, it is essential for it to be replaced. When the water you lose is not replaced, the state of dehydration occurs. Dehydration is a condition that develops when the body loses more water than it takes in. This state of imbalance alters the usual levels of sugars and salts present in the blood, which can further interfere with bodily functions.

Symptoms of dehydration:

• Little or no urine, or urine is much darker than usual
• Dry mouth
• Extreme thirst
• Headache
• Confusion
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• No tears when crying
• Sleepiness
• Fatigue

Don't wait to experience such symptoms before taking action. Simply prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water.

How much water should you consume every day?

There is no specific amount required for the body to function optimally. Each persons body weight, composition and activity levels vary, hence why there is no set amount to which we should drink. The general guideline people are told to follow is to aim to drink between 1.5 and 2 Litres of water daily. This is a reasonable goal to follow however as mentioned previously, different amounts will adequately hydrate different people. As a general rule, healthy people can remain hydrated by drinking water and other fluids whenever they feel thirsty. 

How else to stay hydrated

Water is the most effective option to staying hydrated however there are other fluids and foods that will help you stay hydrated.

Fluids:

• Tea
• Coffee
• Soda

Foods:

• Fruits & vegetables
• Watermelon
• Tomatos
• Iceberg Lettuce
• Cucumber
• Celery
• Strawberries
• Broccoli
• Spinach

These fruits & vegetables have a water content of 90% or higher 

10 benefits of drinking water with lemon

Packed with antioxidants and health benefits, drinking a glass of water with half a lemon in the morning revitalises the body and the mind

1.  Supports the immune system as is rich in vitamin C, this will boost your immune system assist the body in fighting colds and flu. Your body's ability to absorb iron is also increased
2. Aids digestion as lemon juice is similar in atomic structure as the body's digestive structure. Helps cleanse the bowel by flushing out waste more efficiently and stimulates the realises of gastric juices, aiding digestion
3. Repairs skin as the antioxidant properties help combat free radical damage, the cause of the symptoms of ageing
4. Reduces appetite as lemon contain pectin - a soluble fibre that creates a feeling of fullness which will suppress your appetite and help you from constantly snacking
5.  Balances pH levels as lemons are on of the most alkalising foods for the body. A good hP level is essential as to much acidity can be inflammatory. 
6. Cleanses the urinary tract as lemon juice is a diuretic; encouraging the production of urine.
   As a result, toxins are released at a faster rate helping to purify the system and keep it healthy
7. Freshens breath due to the antiseptic qualities of lemon which kill off bad bacteria in the mouth
8. Protects overall health as there are high levels of potassium in lemons which can help brain and nerve functioning and control blood pressure. Lemon also contains vitamin P which improves overall blood flow
9. Promotes healing as the ascorbic acids and vitamin C promote wound healing and maintaining healthy bones, tissues and cartilage. Calming of inflammation is also promoted
10. Detoxifies the liver as lemon water acts as a liver cleanser by assisting in detoxification. It purifies and stimulates the liver by encouraging the production of bile, an acid required for digestion

Stay hydrated everyone!

Georgia