The Power of Hydration
Water is essential for life, making up about 60% of your body weight. Staying hydrated is crucial for keeping your body functioning properly, boosting your energy, and maintaining overall wellbeing. But hydration isn’t just about drinking water – it’s about how effectively your body uses that water.
Why hydration is essential for your health
Proper hydration is key to many of the body’s essential functions. Water helps transport nutrients, regulate temperature, remove toxins, and maintain healthy organ function. But water alone isn’t enough – your body also needs minerals (often referred to as electrolytes) to properly absorb and utilize the water.
These essential minerals, like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, play a critical role in keeping your cells hydrated and supporting fluid balance. Many people are not drinking enough water, or are drinking too much water without the right mineral balance for the water to be used effectively. Without the right balance of both water and electrolytes, your body can’t function optimally.
What happens when you’re dehydrated?
Dehydration can affect you in ways you might not expect. You may experience symptoms like:
- Thirst
- Headaches
- Muscle cramps/muscle tension
- Fatigue
- Lightheaded and dizziness
- Weakness
- Dry mouth or throat
- Excessive urination
- Nausea
Symptoms of dehydration can look very similar to overhydration/water intoxication—when we drink too much water with not enough minerals—which can cause similar issues, like fatigue and confusion.
More than just thirst
Here’s how staying hydrated supports key functions:
- Mood & Cognitive Performance
Proper hydration helps you stay sharp, focused, and clear-headed. - Energy Levels
Adequate hydration boosts energy and combats fatigue. - Body Temperature Regulation
Water helps regulate your body temperature, especially during physical activity. - Athletic Performance
Hydration supports endurance and muscle function.
- Detoxification
Water flushes out toxins, helping your body cleanse itself naturally. - Skin Health
Hydration keeps your skin healthy, smooth, and glowing. - Digestion
Proper hydration aids in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Are you higher risk for dehydration?
Beyond water consumption, many medical conditions can increase the chances that the body is dehydrated, such as:
- Digestive Issues
Like IBD (Crohn’s, Colitis), IBS, and celiac disease - Chronic Infections
(viral or bacterial) - Environmental Factors
(mold, heavy metals, toxins) - Sleep Disturbances
(e.g., sleep apnea) - Kidney Disease
- Disease
- Concussions
- Chronic Inflammation
- Skin Conditions
Like eczema and psoriasis - Intense Physical Activity
- Chronic Alcohol Use
Hydration is vital for your health
Whether you’re looking to improve your overall health, boost your energy, or maintain peak performance, staying hydrated is key. But it’s not just about drinking water – your body also needs the right balance of minerals to properly absorb and use that water. Without them, your cells can’t function at their best, and hydration won’t be as effective. So, drink up - your energy, health and mood might depend on it.