Water is a natural resource that benefits our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. More than just a thirst quencher, water has many attributes proven to contribute to our overall health.
Our bodies are made up of approximately 70% water, and every system relies on it to function properly. Water flushes toxins, transports nutrients and oxygen, moisturizes our skin and joints, ensures proper digestion and regulates temperature - to name a few. Because our bodies use up so much water, it is important to drink water throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Dehydration is a condition that occurs when you don't have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Dehydration can drain your energy and make you feel tired, reduces the body's ability to regulate its temperature, and makes the heart work harder. When the heart is stressed, this can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Like the body, our mind also depends on water to function properly. Even mild dehydration is associated with feelings of anger, depression, and confusion. When we're thirsty, we have more difficulty paying attention and staying focused, and dehydration can impair short-term memory and the recall of long-term memory. Water is also a stress reliever, both physically and mentally. Soaking in a tub can relieve muscle tension, listening to the rhythm of waves helps reduce anxiety, and the color blue is said to bring down blood pressure and slow respiration and heart rate.
So, how much water should you be drinking?
Hydration levels differ from person to person, so there isn't a precise amount that will work for everyone. However, a good rule of thumb is to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, and pay attention to the feedback your body is giving you. If you have continued thirst or experience muscle cramps, dry skin, darker colored urine or fatigue, your body is telling you to drink more.
For more information about keeping your heart healthy, please visit the cardiovascular services
section on our website.