Why, in an era of increasing awareness of healthy lifestyles, do we still so often forget about one crucial element, without which our efforts, whether in training or nutrition, are wasted? We're talking, of course, about water. Let's not forget that the human body is composed of approximately 70% water, which means that even a small loss can lead to serious health problems. Thirst is the first signal our body sends us, telling us that the body needs water, as its amount has already decreased by 1%. Dehydration of 3% causes fatigue, malaise, and headaches, and when drowsiness is added, we can speak of a deficiency of 5-6%. Both mental and physical failure are a sign that something is wrong, and that the loss has already reached 10% and is approaching a life-threatening condition. Dehydration above 15% can lead to serious health problems and, in the most severe cases, even death. Therefore, when the first signals appear, you should quickly reach for a glass of water to return its level in your body to normal.
The valuable values of water
Water – how does it actually help us? Without it, our bodies wouldn't be able to remove harmful metabolic waste products. Furthermore, it participates in biochemical reactions in our bodies and regulates body temperature. It's also essential for lubricating mucous membranes, eyes, and joints, which we overuse during exercise. Therefore, it's important to remember to drink plenty of water to ensure a good well-being during training. When the body begins to dehydrate, our mental abilities deteriorate – in short, it becomes increasingly difficult to concentrate while studying or working. Our skin loses its radiance, becomes less firm, and becomes drier. Therefore, if we want to look good and healthy, it's worth remembering to drink water. It's important to drink around 2 liters a day, but if we exercise or work a lot, this need increases.
Modern reminders
Unfortunately, we're so busy these days, with so many things on our minds, that we often forget to drink another glass of water. What can we do to make this important activity memorable and prevent dehydration?
It's best to take a bottle of water with you on every trip—whether long or short—and keep it nearby at work, school, or leisure so you can always reach for another glass. What if you keep forgetting to drink another glass? In such cases, free and paid mobile apps come to the rescue, effectively reminding you to replenish your fluids, such as Water Time Pro – H2O Reminder, Drink Water, Drink Water Reminder, Aqualert: Water Reminder, and Hydro Coach – Drink Water. Now there's no need to worry about dehydration and the consequences.
Let's remember that drinking water not only benefits our health but also our beauty and well-being. Sometimes we look for expensive remedies to improve our appearance, but we forget that the most valuable resource is right at our fingertips.
Beata and Patrycja – creators of the blog Z Pamiętnika Dietetyka (Dietetics' Diary) , authors of a book about healthy eating, and sisters in private. They are a harmonious duo, despite their different worldviews. Beata, a dietitian by profession, loves to set high goals for herself, which is why she turned to dietary catering as a career, wanting to take care not only of her own health but also of all Warsaw residents. Patrycja, on the other hand, has a journalism degree and loves cooking and documenting her adventures in the kitchen. She works on the artistic side of the blog daily, and as she herself admits, nothing is impossible for her. She always strives for her goal, even though it's often uphill.
