Water ….digestive, skin, bladder and kidney problems, fatigue and headache are just some of the adverse effects from not drinking enough water. We need it as much as the air we breathe in! It’s not a joke.
Dehydration is a common but often overlooked health issue that can lead to both sickness and weight gain. When your body doesn’t receive an adequate amount of water, it can’t perform at its best, leading to various health problems. In this article, we will explore the scientific reasons behind how dehydration affects our health and contributes to weight gain.
Dehydration: Why It’s Making You Sick And Fat
Did you know that when you start feeling thirsty your body is already dehydrated? The best practice is to sip water throughout the day. Have it always handy!
If you’re not a morning person, have two glasses of water right after you wake up. It will boost up your blood pressure to normal levels, and it’s way healthier than having your first coffee on an empty stomach.
Also, don’t think that sweetened juices, soda or tea will hydrate you as well as water does. It’s actually the opposite! Sugar, as well as salt, makes your body waste precious water just to clean it out from your system. And if you love your coffee, make sure to drink one extra glass of water for every cup you have.
And as an added bonus, drinking water speeds up your metabolism and makes you feel more ‘full’. You will eat less once you start drinking more! It’s the safest and healthiest way to lose some weight.
The Importance of Water in the Body
Water is a vital component of our bodies, making up around 60% of our total body weight. It plays a crucial role in numerous functions, such as:
- Regulating body temperature
- Lubricating joints
- Transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells
- Removing waste products and toxins from the body
- Aiding in digestion and absorption of nutrients
The Link Between Dehydration and Sickness
When our bodies are dehydrated, they struggle to perform these essential functions, which can lead to various health issues, such as:
- Decreased immune function: Dehydration can weaken the immune system by reducing the production of lymph, which is responsible for carrying white blood cells and other immune cells throughout the body. This weakened state leaves you more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
- Impaired kidney function: Kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and excreting them through urine. Dehydration can cause a decrease in blood flow to the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter toxins and potentially leading to kidney stones or other complications.
- Digestive problems: Insufficient water intake can cause a range of digestive issues, including constipation, acid reflux, and indigestion. Proper hydration is necessary for the production of saliva and stomach acid, both of which are crucial for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.
The Connection Between Dehydration and Weight Gain
While it may not seem obvious at first, dehydration can contribute to weight gain in various ways:
- Increased hunger: When dehydrated, your body can sometimes confuse thirst signals for hunger, causing you to consume more calories than needed. Additionally, inadequate water intake can negatively impact hormone levels, such as ghrelin (the hunger hormone), leading to increased appetite.
- Slowed metabolism: Dehydration can slow down your metabolism, making it more challenging to burn calories and lose weight. Research has shown that even mild dehydration can cause a 3% reduction in resting energy expenditure, which can add up over time.
- Poor exercise performance: Dehydration can lead to reduced endurance, increased fatigue, and decreased strength during physical activity. This can hinder your ability to exercise effectively, resulting in fewer calories burned and slower progress towards your fitness goals.
Dehydration is a significant health concern that can not only make you sick but also contribute to weight gain. To avoid these detrimental effects, it’s crucial to maintain proper hydration by consuming an adequate amount of water daily. Experts recommend drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, but individual needs may vary based on factors such as age, activity level, and climate. By prioritizing hydration, you can support your overall health and well-being while promoting a healthy weight.
