Dehydration is a hidden cause of many ailments, and 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Chances are, you suffer from at least one of the following symptoms, which may be alleviated simply by drinking more water.
1. Constipation
The colon requires a lot of water to eliminate waste properly. Without it, waste moves through the large intestine slowly or not at all.
2. Excess Weight
It’s no secret that water can aid in weight loss, and not getting enough water will cause your body to pack on the pounds.
3. Lack of Energy
When we don’t get enough water, the enzymatic activity in the body slows down, resulting in fatigue.
4. High Cholesterol
The body produces more cholesterol in order to prevent water loss from the cells when we are dehydrated.
5. Skin Problems
It’s no secret that dry skin is one of the first signs of dehydration. But you can also attribute premature wrinkles, psoriasis, dermatitis and discoloration to a lack of water which makes the skin more susceptible to these issues due to not being able to properly eliminate toxins through the pores.
6. Respiratory Issues
The amount of histamine in our bodies increases as our water levels decrease, and airways are restricted in order to conserve water.
7. Bladder & Kidney Issues
Toxins build up in our systems when we don’t have an adequate intake of water, and can lead to infection, inflammation and pain in our bladder and kidneys.
8. High Blood Pressure
Blood thickens and leads to increased blood pressure when we are dehydrated.
9. Premature Aging
Chronic dehydration can weaken our organs including the skin, resulting in an aged appearance. Staying hydrated plumps up the skin cells and helps us to appear more youthful.
10. Digestive Issues
Lack of water and alkaline minerals can wreak havoc on our digestive systems, resulting in ulcers, gastritis and acid reflux.
11. Joint Pain/Stiffness
Joint pain and stiffness may be a result of a lack of water, which is used to cushion joints and help them move properly.
So how much water should you be drinking? We recommend a minimum of half your body weight in ounces daily. Why? Because that’s how much you lose each day through breathing, sweating, urinating and defecating. Consuming less than what you are losing is bound to lead to at least one of the above problems. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, exercising rigorously or living in a hot climate you should aim to drink even more than the minimum.
Ionized alkaline water from an electric water ionizer is believed by Japanese scientists to be even more hydrating than standard water and to hydrate on a cellular level. It makes the alkaline minerals in your water bioavailable and does not result in a waterlogged feeling, allowing you to drink more with ease.