The majority of the organs in our bodies are made up of over 60% water, with the brain, heart and lungs containing the most percentage of water overall. Many people don't know that the importance of staying hydrated goes much more deeper than the purpose of general, optimal organ function. Dehydration affects our mood, causing us to exhibit intense or heightened emotions, anxiousness, nervousness and a decrease in serotonin levels, which is directly responsible for making us feel "happy". Dehydration results in fatigue, headache, affects our ability to think clearly and affects our ability to concentrate. When we're fatigued as a result of dehydration, it means there is less oxygen traveling to our brain. Think about the youth in our communities and schools that exhibit intense emotional behaviors or have problems with concentration and processing information. Think of those youth that sleep in class or seem too tired when it comes to exerting themselves physically. How many times have you said " Now you're too young to be tired!" We should always consider dehydration in conjunction with any other physiological or psychological contributing factors. If you're an educator or caregiver of a young person, water intake should be made a priority and closely monitored.
As adults we are not exempt from those very same symptoms of dehydration listed above. We don't just expel fluids when we sweat or urinate, but fluids are also being expelled when we breathe and sleep. Did you know that you can boost your metabolism by drinking water first thing in the morning after you wake up? If you wait until you're thirsty you're already dehydrated by 1%-2%; and your body and mind are already being affected. So how do you know if you're getting enough water? Well for starters your urine should be a pale yellow color. If your urine is dark yellow or a deeper color you must hydrate. A good practice is to drink a minimum of 2 liters of water daily. This is the equivalent of 8-eight ounce glasses. With so many types of water to choose from, which one is best for you? That's a personal decision, but the guide below can help you with the best conclusion.
Alkaline Water
Some studies suggest that this water has health benefits including neutralizing the acid in your body, helping acid reflux, helping people with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and increasing the oxygen delivery in your body.
Mineral Water
Known to contain sulfur, magnesium, and calcium, which are essential minerals that your body needs. It is also said to aid in digestion.
Tap Water
There’s mixed studies. Some say that this water is good even though it may contain contaminants because it goes through a treatment/filtration process before it comes out of the tap; and contains some minerals including fluoride, which is good for the teeth. Other studies suggest it is best to purchase a personal filtration mechanism as a secondary precaution. Optimal filtration results depends on the city that you live in and their treatment process in addition to whether you decide to conduct a process at home. You can obtain a public water quality report to see where your drinking water stands.
Spring/Glacier Water
Is clean and free of toxins if properly tested. Contains essential minerals.
Sparkling Water
Usually mineralized. Maintains some essential minerals, in its carbonated form; but not enough to be significantly beneficial to your health when compared to other types of water.
Distilled Water
Water is boiled and the steam is condensed into liquid. This process removes the vitamins and minerals that were initially present. Since this water is not mineralized, it can actually pull minerals away from your body and teeth, if vitamins and minerals aren’t added back in.
Purified Water
Tap or ground water that has been treated to remove harmful bacteria, parasites and fungi.
Flavored Water
Contains added sugars/ or artificial sweeteners. It is best to make your own, by adding fruit such as blueberries, slices of lemon, lime, orange or cucumber to your water. You can also step outside of the norm and add herbs such as basil, mint and thyme.
When you water those taste buds, you replenish and renew the mind ,body, and soul. So "water" you going to do?