What Happens if You Don’t Drink Enough Water?
SOURCE: Rachel Gresh, Better Health.com
From an early age, we are taught that drinking water is important. In fact, the human body is made up of about 60% water. But do we actually know the health benefits? Besides keeping us hydrated, water has many invisible benefits that help our bodies function properly. According to Harvard Medical School, an average healthy person needs to drink between four and six cups of water daily.
Regulates Body Temperature
Water is vital in keeping the human body temperature at an average of 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. Sweat is made of 99% water and 1% salt and fat, which is why exercise and warm temperatures deplete the body’s water supply so quickly. During these situations, perspiration cools the body as sweat evaporates from the skin, keeping you more comfortable. It’s essential to stay hydrated when you’re cold, too, however. Water redistributes heat around the body, keeping the core and vital organs warmer than the extremities in frigid conditions.
Regulates Blood Pressure
About 90% of blood plasma consists of water, so depleting your body of water can significantly impact the circulatory system. Dehydration can cause low or high blood pressure, depending on the person. For dehydration to cause low blood pressure, losing fluid will cause low blood volume because blood is mostly water, leading to lower pressure. This can also lead to high blood pressure as the body reacts to fix the pressure drop. This overcorrection includes a release of vasopressin (a hormone that balances sodium levels to retain water), but it can also cause high blood pressure by constricting the blood vessels. Giving your body an adequate amount of daily fluid alleviates both high and low blood pressure concerns.
Aids Digestion
A common myth is that water dilutes stomach acid, negatively impacting digestion, but according to research, drinking water before, during, or after a meal is always a good idea. The body breaks down food more efficiently if adequately hydrated, allowing it to fully absorb nutrients into the bloodstream and take them where needed.
