By: Garrett Denbow
Water makes up around 50-70% of our body weight, so it is safe to say that it is a vital compound needed to function optimally. Most Americans aren’t getting nearly enough water leading to dehydration which in turn can lead to all sorts of issues. It is recommended that we drink at least half our body weight in ounces, but for athletes, this number is much higher. Below, I will list issues that you may be experiencing that could all stem from dehydration.
1.) You experience headaches often
This is one of the first tell-tale signs that you are dehydrated. As stated in the image above, our brain is 83% water. If we are not feeding our body water on a consistent basis, there are many organs that suffer. If you suffer from headaches, try to drink a lot of water throughout the day.
2.) You have low energy levels
We need lots of water to experience peak physical and mental performance. Period. Our bodies are mostly water. We can only survive about 3 days without water. This is all the information you need. Water is so crucial to our energy levels! If you are not consuming water, you are dying. Think of it like this: Your muscles/organs with low amounts of water are a well-done steak, and when they are well hydrated they are a raw/rare steak. The next time that you are low on energy, do not reach for a Coke or energy drink, drink a bunch of water throughout the day on a consistent basis and you will gradually start to experience more and more energy!
3.) You have joint/muscle pain
Water is our body’s lubrication. Our bodies need water to lubricate joints, protect our spinal cords, and provide our muscles with the nutrients they need. Prior to being conscious of my water intake, I would experience body aches and nagging pains throughout the day. But, now I consume at least a gallon of water every day and I do not experience those issues nearly as often.
Water plays just as big of a role in mental health as it does physical health. As stated above, our brains are 83% water. If they are dehydrated then they simply are not functioning properly. Another thing I have experienced with my increased water intake is more restorative sleep. I am more likely to remember dreams, I stay asleep longer, and I wake up feeling much more refreshed.
