There’s a reason why so many health articles stress the importance of hydration—you need to stay hydrated to survive! Every aspect of your body needs water to work properly. Water carries nutrients to your cells and flushes waste from your body. It helps regulate body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Proper hydration affects the health of your muscles, joints, heart, skin, and even your brain. Without enough hydration, your body begins to shut down.
There are plenty of reasons why hydration is essential to overall health. Let’s break down what you can do to keep yourself hydrated every day.
How Much Water Do I Need?
You probably know by now that you need to drink water every day. The most common recommendation is 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, 8 ounces each. This is a good goal to maintain, but remember that hydration needs vary depending on factors like age, weight, physical activity level, and climate. If you lead a very active lifestyle, you may need more than 8 glasses of water a day. The best way to determine how much water you need is to listen to your body’s signals. Thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, darker-colored (more concentrated) urine, headache, dry skin, dizziness, and mental fogginess are all signs of dehydration.
Why Is Hydration Important for Your Body?
Hydration plays a vital role in every function of the body. When you are adequately hydrated, your blood circulates more efficiently, helping transport oxygen and essential nutrients to your cells. Hydration also affects digestion, helping your body break down food and absorb nutrients more effectively. Proper hydration supports joint lubrication, reducing the risk of pain and inflammation. It even helps maintain healthy skin by preventing dryness and promoting elasticity. Furthermore, drinking enough water helps regulate body temperature, especially during physical activity or hot weather. If your hydration levels drop, your body struggles to perform these essential functions, leading to discomfort and potential health risks.
What Are the Best Fluids for Hydration?
While drinking water is beneficial, electrolyte-enhanced drinks are even more effective for hydration. Electrolytes help your body retain fluids more efficiently and replace what is lost through sweat, exertion, or dehydration. Shaklee’s Electrolyte+ Hydration + Focus Drink Mix provides essential electrolytes along with added support for focus, helping to maintain hydration and mental sharpness throughout the day. If you’re engaging in intense physical activity, Shaklee Performance® Endurance Electrolyte Drink offers a scientifically formulated blend of electrolytes and carbohydrates to support endurance and hydration, ensuring you replenish what you lose through sweat—without unnecessary added sugars found in many sports drinks.
What Are the Signs of Dehydration?
Understanding the signs of dehydration can help you take action before it affects your well-being. Some of the most common symptoms include excessive thirst, dry mouth, reduced urine output, and dark-colored urine. Other symptoms include fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and confusion. In severe cases, dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion, muscle cramps, or even heatstroke. If you experience symptoms of dehydration, drink water or an electrolyte-enhanced beverage immediately and rest in a cool place.
What Are Some Strategies to Help Stay Hydrated?
If you have a hard time staying hydrated and/or keeping track of how much water you’re drinking, here are some tips that can help:
- Carry a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day.
- Hydrate on a schedule. For example, drink water when you wake up, at every meal, and before bed. Another easy routine is to drink some water at the beginning of every hour.
- When exercising, remember to drink water before, during, and after your workout. For added hydration support, consider Shaklee Performance® Endurance Electrolyte Drink to replenish electrolytes and maintain stamina.
- Make water more appealing by infusing it with lemon, lime, strawberry slices, or other fruits.
- When you feel hungry, drink water first! Hunger can sometimes be mistaken for thirst.
- When dining out, choose water over other beverages to stay hydrated and save money.
- Use hydration apps or set reminders on your phone to prompt you to drink water throughout the day.
- Drink a glass of water before each meal to aid digestion and ensure adequate hydration levels.
How Does Hydration Impact Cognitive Function?
Your brain is highly sensitive to hydration levels. Even mild dehydration can impair cognitive function, leading to decreased concentration, memory problems, and mental fatigue. Studies have shown that being properly hydrated can enhance mood, improve problem-solving skills, and increase mental clarity. Shaklee’s Electrolyte+ Hydration + Focus Drink Mix is a great option for those looking to stay hydrated while also supporting cognitive function, thanks to its combination of electrolytes and focus-enhancing ingredients.
Hydration and Exercise Performance
Staying hydrated is critical for athletic performance. During exercise, your body loses fluids through sweat, and if those fluids are not replaced, it can lead to decreased endurance, muscle cramps, and overall fatigue. Drinking water is essential, but for optimal performance, incorporating an electrolyte beverage can make a difference. Shaklee Performance® Endurance Electrolyte Drink helps maintain hydration, replenish lost electrolytes, and provide sustained energy during long workouts. Whether you’re training for a marathon or engaging in a high-intensity workout, keeping your hydration levels up ensures you perform at your best.
The Connection Between Hydration and Skin Health
Hydration plays a major role in maintaining healthy skin. When you’re dehydrated, your skin can become dry, flaky, and more prone to wrinkles. Drinking enough water helps keep your skin supple and glowing by supporting collagen production and flushing out toxins. If you want to maintain a healthy complexion, drinking water throughout the day is just as important as your skincare routine.
Final Thoughts on Hydration
Keeping yourself hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your health. Your body functions best when properly hydrated, and while many foods and drinks can contribute, water remains the best option. For an added boost, Shaklee’s Electrolyte+ Hydration + Focus Drink Mix and Performance® Endurance Electrolyte Drink offer targeted hydration support for daily wellness and peak performance. Now grab your water bottle, mix in some electrolytes, and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
