Just about everyone knows that drinking water is good for you.  I’m sure we’ve all heard the standard rule about drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.  Some researchers and medical professionals would argue that our bodies don’t really need so much and that there is no evidence to prove that it does.  In fact, we receive some of our fluid intake through the foods we eat and through other beverages like juice and tea – which is good. Whichever way you look at it, moisture is essential!

Our fluid intake (or lack thereof) plays an important role in body function in a variety of ways. Here are 6 of them.

·          Movement of nutrients in and out of cells: Our cells and the fluids surrounding them are made up largely in part of water.

·         Digestion/BMs: poor fluid intake can lead to constipation.  Don’t want to be too graphic here, but if there is enough fluid around, it keeps things moving smoothly.

·         Circulation and blood pressure: Blood pressure can drop when there isn’t enough fluid circulating in the body. 

·         Temperature:  Water aids in the regulation of our body temperature through perspiration (or lack thereof)

·         Brain function:  The brain is more than 80% water.  If fluid levels are low, it doesn’t function as it should.  If I have a patient who is a little more forgetful than usual or has difficulty concentrating, I ask about changes in their fluid intake.

·         Getting rid of “junk” (toxins, etc.): Our kidneys help to excrete toxins from our bodies.  When they sense that there isn’t enough fluid, they hold on a little tighter to what’s there.  Help them do their job and keep them clear by upping your fluid intake.

All day, we are losing fluid in obvious ways like through bathroom visits and sweating, and even as simple as through breathing.  The important thing to remember is that there needs to be a healthy balance between our intake and output.  Sometimes, for instance, through illness, we end up losing more fluid than we are taking in. That brings us to dehydration.

Dehydration can manifest itself in different ways*:

·         Dry mouth/lips

·         Faster than usual heart rate

·         Fatigue and lethargy

·         Urine that is especially dark

Water makes up nearly 60% of an adult’s body weight.  It’s absolutely necessary. Do yourself a favor and listen to your body!! Are you thirsty?  Have a drink (not a “happy” drink…those actually dehydrate you…long story) and give your body what it needs.  If you aren’t thrilled with plain water, pep it up with some lemon, mint or lime (check out recipes for infused water).  

Bottoms up!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, run it by your healthcare provider, and see what they s/he has to say. They are familiar with you and your medical history, and can provide great advice as to how to take the best possible care of your body.

*These signs/symptoms can be indicative of something else or due to factors other than dehydration.  If you are experiencing these, don’t freak out!  Just have a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Shari Grant is a Registered Nurse in South Florida, where she was raised in a (very!) Jamaican home. Some of the loves of her life are words (both reading and writing them) and missions work. She enjoys spending time with friends and family while living for a good laugh - one that makes her belly ache and her eyes water. Her bottom line goal in life is to make the Lord smile and maybe even serve Him up a chuckle from time to time, too.