The human body consists of about seventy-five percent water and twenty-five percent solids.
The brain is said to be 85 percent water and extremely sensitive to any dehydration or reduction in water content. The brain constantly floats in a bath of a salty cerebrospinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid).
The process of distributing water within the body relies on several systems.
The idea that tea, coffee and manufactured drinks are a substitute for the body’s need for natural water is not true. It is true that these beverages contain water, but most also contain dehydrating substances such as caffeine, for example. These substances rob the body of the water in which they are dissolved, plus some additional water from the body’s reserves.
So when you drink coffee, tea or a beer, your body loses more water than the drink contains.
When the body is dehydrated, it rearranges and regulates the amount of water available. Within the body, alarm signals show that the affected areas are short of supplies. Similar to the light that comes on in a car when the tank is nearly empty. Being able to cope with drought does not mean that cells are no longer dependent on water. It just means that certain areas of the body, which need less water and are not in constant use, get just enough to survive.
Thirst
When we are not thirsty we tend not to drink water and when we are thirsty we often drink tea or in some cases manufactured drinks instead of water.
We need enough water to stay healthy. By the time the body makes its thirst known by arousing a sense of thirst, it is already two to three large glasses of water short.
Symptoms that can occur when you don't drink enough water
1. Headache
Headaches and dizziness can be consequences of not drinking enough water. When there is too little water, cerebrospinal fluid is drawn upon, and this leads to headaches. Dehydration also causes less oxygen to get to the brain.
2. Concentration problems and drowsiness
When you are dehydrated, your body starts to show signs of exhaustion, or you become languid. This is due to low blood pressure and a lack of oxygen in the brain, both consequences of a lack of water. The human brain is 90% water, so dehydration has major consequences for the brain. A lack of water can affect the ability to make decisions, memory and mood.
3. Unexplained cravings
When your body lacks water, your brain mistakenly sends a hunger signal, when in reality you are thirsty.
4. Toilet visit
You go to the toilet an average of four to seven times a day, and if you drink enough water, it happens naturally. Through the urine, toxins created in the cells are excreted.
5. Joint pain
Joint pain, stiffness, muscle pain and cramping 80% of your joints and cartilage are made up of water, and without water, therefore, no healthy and strong joints.
How much water should I drink per day?
There is a commonly known recommendation of 2 liters of water per day, the source of which, however, is not clear to anyone. But it varies so much by person and the circumstances you are in how much fluid your body needs that it is actually impossible to recommend a general amount for everyone. A better way is to listen to your own body.
"By the time the body makes its thirst known by inducing a sensation of thirst, it is already two to three large glasses of water short."
Advice on using plastic bottles
Avoid BPA and other harmful plasticizers as much as possible by avoiding the use of plastic bottles. If you do use plastic bottles, check the packaging carefully for signs of BPA. And finally, make sure your plastic bottle doesn’t get too hot (so don’t leave it in the car in the glove compartment, or on the beach in the sun).