Do You Drink Enough Water ? 

The human body can only exist for 5-7 days without water, thus dehydration must be taken seriously. Just exactly what does dehydration mean?  Medically, dehydration is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in which the body contains an insufficient volume of water for normal functioning. 

To operate efficiently, most people say the body requires about eight large glasses of water per day, based on an estimate of fluid loss during a normal day. Even more water is needed during hot weather, periods of illness and when exercising. Many people simply do not take in this amount of water, preferring instead to get their intake of liquids through coffee, tea, sodas, beer or wine.

The problem is that most of these drinks have a diuretic effect which forces the body to eliminate more water than it is actually taking in – causing dehydration. In fact, some believe there is an epidemic of chronic dehydration in the US due to our caffeine and alcohol consumption.

Some symptoms of dehydration include:

Feeling dizzy and lightheaded • producing less urine and darker urine • anger, impatience • tiredness • flushed face • irritability • anxiety • depression • snoring • insomnia • short attention spans • cravings for coffee, tea, and alcohol (all diuretics).

The two most common signs of dehydration, a dry/sticky mouth or feeling thirsty – are not actually the first signs. When these 2 symptoms occur you are already dehydrated. In chronic dehydration a person may suffer from problems such as gastritis, heartburn, arthritis, headaches, depression, weight problems and even premature aging.

QUIZ: Are you drinking enough liquids for your health ?

1. How many cups of non-caffeinated, nonalcoholic fluids, other than water, do you drink everyday?

a) 0     b) 1-3     c) 4-6     d) 7-9     e) 10-12     f) 13 or more
2. How many 8-oz glasses of water do you drink every day?
a) 0     b) 1     c) 2     d) 3     e) 4     f) 5 or more
3. How many cups of caffeinated beverages do you drink every day?
a) 0-3     b) 4-5     c) 6     d) 7 or more
4. How many alcoholic beverages do you drink a day?
a) 0     b) 1-2     c)3     d) 4     e)5
5. How many cups of soup do you eat every day?
a) 0     b) 1     c) 2     d) 3 or more

6. How many servings of fruit (1 piece fresh/raw or  1/2 cup cooked/canned) do you eat every day?

a) 0-1     b) 2-4     c) 5 or more
7. How many servings of non-starchy vegetables (1 cup raw or 1/2 cup cooked) do you eat every day?
a) 0-2     b) 3-5     c) 6 or more

Dehydration QUIZ Answers:

1. a = 0, b = 2, c = 5, d = 8, e = 11, f = 13 (add points)
2. a = 0, b = 1, c = 2, d = 3, e = 4, f = 10 (add points)
3. a = 0, b = 2, c = 3, d = 5 (*subtract points)
4. a = 0, b = 1, c = 3, d = 4, e = 5 (*subtract points)
5. a = 0, b = 1, c = 2, d = 3 (add points)
6. a = 0, b = 1, c = 2 (add points)
7. a = 0, b = 1, c = 2 (add points)

Your Hydration Score:

-10 to -1:  You are a Human Raisin.

You are so dry it will take you days to rehydrate. Start by drinking a sports drink to return your fluid and electrolyte levels to normal. Decrease or eliminate caffeine and eat at least 5 servings daily of fruits and vegetables. Then start a fluid plan.

0 to 5:  You are Parched

Your body still thinks it’s in the Sahara Desert, but it senses relief in sight. Decrease your caffeine intake and drink more water.

6 – 9:  You are down a quart

You’re so close, just a little extra effort is needed. Drink a few more glasses of water each day and stick to your fluid plan.

10 – 12:  Hydrated

You’re body is balanced. You are drinking just enough fluid, but make sure you maintain your fluid plan.

13 plus:  Congratulations! You’re totally fluid!

You’ve left the dried fruit and desert behind you and are swimming home. You look great and feel fabulous! You’re able to perform at peak levels, so keep up the good work! 

Source: www.hbmag.com