Why Staying Hydrated Is So Important – especially during COVID-19

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2020

The phrase 'water is life' might sound cliche but it's nothing but the truth. You might not have a clear picture of why staying hydrated is so important but the fact is, your body needs water for each cell, tissue, and organ to function effectively. Especially today as our lives are changing due to COVID-19, our routines may be altered, but staying hydrated shouldn't be something we lose sight of.

Staying hydrated improves your health because your body relies on water to flush toxins out of the body, transport nutrients, lubricate joints, regulate body temperature and improve its overall wellness.

Why Staying Hydrated Is So Important

Your body is constantly losing water through urinating, sweating, breathing or other functions. The water needs to be replaced and if not, you will end up dehydrated.

There is a standard recommended amount of water to be taken in a day but the truth is, the amount of water each person needs in a day differs depending on different factors. The recommended 6-8 glasses of water might not be enough for someone who is mostly physically active, especially athletes. This is because an athlete loses more water through sweating hence they will need to take more water to stay hydrated.

Drinking water can also reduce the body's response to stress. Hydration makes your body better equipped to deal with stress, both mental and physical.

Signs of Dehydration

The most common sign of dehydration is thirst. Other signs include a dry mouth, headaches, dizziness, dark colored urine, muscle cramps, and exhaustion. However, this does not mean that you should wait for a sign for you to drink more water.

The best way to stay hydrated is by drinking adequate amounts of water. Other drinks might quench your thirst but they might end up adding more calories and sugar to your body. If you do not like to drink water, try adding a slice of lemon to give it taste. To help stay hydrated, carry a bottle of water with you and sip on it throughout the day or keep a bottle at your desk. There are also several smart phone apps that can assist in reminding you to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Take charge of your health and stay hydrated. It is important that we maintain hydration especially as our lives change. Changes in your life due to COVID-19, like working form home and increased stress, can make us forget some essentials. For more ways of getting and staying healthy, especially those that help your body in the ways that physical therapy can, contact a physical therapy at one of our Empower Physical Therapy locations near you today.