6-8 glasses a day, that’s how much you should be getting, right? At least that’s the theory, but the reality is that how much water you need to drink in a day depends on a number of factors, including your body weight, how much you exercise, and your overall health.
So, then what is the right amount? How much should we be drinking, and how to know if our body’s is in need of some more of that precious H2O? And can dehydration cause those severe headaches?
In this article, you’ll find the answers to:
- What dehydration is
- What to look out for
- How dehydration affects the body
- If a lack of water cause headaches of migraines
What is dehydration?
Dehydration is what happens when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, meaning it doesn’t have enough to undertake your essential functions. Water helps you to:
- Rid your body of waste products
- Protect sensitive tissues
- Generate new cells
- Lubricate and cushion joints
- Maintain a normal bodily temperature
- And more.
Although simply not drinking enough can cause your fluid-balance levels to drop, some of the more common causes of the condition, especially for those most at-risk – young children and the elderly – are vomiting and diarrhea, or infections of the lungs or bladder.
But just because you are ‘healthy’ or ‘low risk’ doesn’t mean you shouldn’t watch out, dehydration can also occur from over-exercising, spending too much time in the blistering sun, or even sweating too much.
These external changes can alter your body’s fluid balance and leave you feeling less than stellar.
Dehydration is what happens when your body doesn’t have enough fluid to function. It can cause a number of problems for your system including headaches.
What signs and symptoms should you look out for?
Depending on a number of factors, such as how much exercise you’ve done, your body type, your environment and more, the amount of water you need each day will vary.
Current recommendations suggest that men should aim for around 3.7 liters of H20, while women should go for a slightly lower level of 2.7 liters.
However, remember! These amounts aren’t exact, and if you’re feeling extra thirsty don’t deny yourself another glass.
But this isn’t your entire amount of daily fluids. Did you know that almost 20% comes from other sources, such as what you eat?
Ways to rehydrate (other than water)
While a refreshing bottle of water might be the gold standard for rehydration, and it’s a real must have, that’s not the only way to get fluid into your body. Here are some of the best water-intense food out there:
- Watermelon – it’s no surprise that water is featured in the name of this amazing fruit. Watermelon is known for being a tasty and natural refresher in hot weather. Water content – 92%.
- Cucumbers – a tasty addition to a salad or smoothie, cucumbers are an excellent source of refreshment during the summer months. Water content – 95%.
- Strawberries – watery doesn’t have to mean tasteless, strawberries are packed with flavor and natural juices to help you stay hydrated. Water content – 91%.
- Skimmed milk – packed with vitamins and minerals, skimmed milk can help refresh you and quench that appetite for something a little more. Water content – 91%.
- Cauliflower – not what you might typically think of as a natural hydration tool, however cauliflower is one mean water-storer, and that’s not to mention its nutritional benefits too. Water content – 92%.
If you’re suffering from the summer heat and looking for something to satisfy that thirst and keep hydrated, you can always mix and match to create some amazingly refreshing snacks. We’ve got some inspiration right here.
