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When if comes to hydration there are many more facts to report than fiction. I think the most important thing to remember about proper hydration is that, not all hydration is created equal. For example; one cup of coffee is not equal to one cup of water. That's because coffee is a diuretic - so are many other beverages, such as tea and soda.
Proper hydration is essential to good health, and necessary for the prevention of dehydration...
Signs and symptoms of dehydration include:
- Mild to excessive thirst
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Little or no urination
- Muscle weakness
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
Mild dehydration rarely results in complications - as long as the fluid is replaced quickly - but more-severe cases can be life-threatening, especially in the very young and the elderly. In extreme situations, fluids or electrolytes may need to be delivered intravenously.
Why is hydration so important for good health?
How do you know if you are drinking enough water? And how much water do you need to drink?
Use this Hydration Calculator from About.com to help figure out how much is right for you.
Obviously, staying hydrated is essential to any good exercise program...I found an interesting recipe for making your own sports drinks at WebMD. It's as easy as mixing one can of frozen concentrated juice with nine cans of water (instead of three).
Some say hydration is important for a clear complexion, others say this is just a myth.
Poor hydration causes the elimination system to become inefficient. When this happens the body starts eliminating waste and toxins through the skin. This can cause acne.
Poor hydration can also cause the skin oil to become thicker and increase the possibility of it getting trapped in the pores leading to acne.
So...It may be that needing 8 to 10 glasses of water each day isn't exactly true. However, getting enough water each day is certainly an important part of overall health and wellness.
Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
also at CatherineBlogs.com and The Political Voices of Women
