Many people are aware that drinking water is important to maintain optimum health. In fact, survey results show that over 84% of American adults know that they need to drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday in order to prevent dehydration and to ensure that their bodily functions are optimized. However, according to the same poll, only 34% of the people surveyed really drink as much water as required. Furthermore, instead of gulping water, a lot of people prefer to drink coffee or cola, which can cause you to lose more water.

Dehydration is a very serious matter. This condition can cause dry skin, fatigue, headache, and constipation. Severe dehydration can even cause death. If you do not want to suffer from dehydration and its effects, read on and learn what you can do to counter this problem:

Drink At Least 8 Glasses Of Water Everyday

The most obvious way of dealing with dehydration is by drinking ample amounts of water. If you make sure that you get the right amounts of fluid in the body, you will be assured that your body will function properly. In just a few weeks of getting into the habit of drinking enough water, you will see improvement in your skin, urine color and even elimination of wastes. You will also have more energy to perform the things you need to do.

There are times when your brain tells you that you are hungry, when in fact you are only thirsty. So the next time you get the urge to eat, drink a glass of water first. If after a few minutes you still feel hungry, then maybe your brain is really telling you that your body needs food.

Be Conscious With Your Source Of Water

In the market, you will really be confused on what type of water to get because of the various types of water available. Most common types of water sold are mineral, distilled, and filtered. The most beneficial to your body is mineral water because it is pure and it contains minerals and nutrients that your body needs. Filtered water is also acceptable.

However, if you can, do not drink tap water because it is treated with chlorine and other substances. Distilled water is also not advisable since it is known to strip your body of its essential minerals.

If you are not a fan of water because it tastes bland, try adding slices of lemon on your glass or pitcher of water. The lemon will provide additional taste sans the sugar. Moreover, you will also benefit from the vitamins and minerals that lemon can give.

Limit Consumption of Caffeine-rich Beverages

If you cannot give up your caffeine fix, then what you have to do is simply limit your consumption of coffee or soda to just two or three cups a day. It is important to note that caffeine has diuretic property. The more soda and coffee you drink, the more you will want to urinate and expel water out of your body.

Try Juicing Up For More Nutrients

Aside from water, your body also needs essential minerals, such as potassium, in order to function properly. Since you cannot get these minerals from drinking water alone, you may want to start drinking fresh fruit and vegetable juices. However, refrain from drinking sweetened or concentrated juices because they contain small amount of vitamins and minerals, plus they contain a lot of sugar, which is very bad for you.

Although water retention can be caused by dehydration, it would be wise to have yourself checked by a doctor if you think you are bloated or swollen. Fluid retention can be a symptom of other serious problems, such as heart or kidney diseases. However, if you think that your water retention problem is caused by hormonal fluctuations during menopause or your monthly period, then it may be a good idea to try supplements, such as Expelis, that can help ease water retention.

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