Month: April 2022

To function properly, all the cells and organs of the body need water.
Here are some reasons our body needs water:

1. It lubricates the joints
   Cartilage, found in joints and the disks of the spine, contains around 80 percent water. Long-term dehydration can reduce the joints’ shock-absorbing ability, leading to joint pain.
2. It forms saliva and mucus
   Saliva helps us digest our food and keeps the mouth, nose, and eyes moist. This prevents friction and damage. Drinking water also keeps the mouth clean. Consumed instead of sweetened beverages, it can also reduce tooth decay.
   3. It delivers oxygen throughout the body
   Blood is more than 90 percent water, and blood carries oxygen to different parts of the body.
3. It boosts skin health and beauty
   With dehydration, the skin can become more vulnerable to skin disorders and premature wrinkling.
4. It cushions the brain, spinal cord, and other sensitive tissues
   Dehydration can affect brain structure and function. It is also involved in the production of hormones and neurotransmitters. Prolonged dehydration can lead to problems with thinking and reasoning.
5. It regulates body temperature
   Water that is stored in the middle layers of the skin comes to the skin’s surface as sweat when the body heats up. As it evaporates, it cools the body. In sport.
   Some scientists have suggested that
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    when there is too little water in the body, heat storage increases and the individual is less able to tolerate heat strain.
   Having a lot of water in the body may reduce physical strain if heat stress occurs during exercise. However, more research is needed into these effects.
   7, The digestive system depends on it
   The bowel needs water to work properly. Dehydration can lead to digestive problems, constipation, and an overly acidic stomach. This increases the risk of heartburn and stomach ulcers.
6. It flushes body waste
   Water is needed in the processes of sweating and removal of urine and feces.
7. It helps maintain blood pressure
   A lack of water can cause blood to become thicker, increasing blood pressure.
8. The airways need it
   When dehydrated, airways are restricted by the body in an effort to minimize water loss. This can make asthma and allergies worse.
9. It makes minerals and nutrients accessible
   These dissolve in water, which makes it possible for them to reach different parts of the body.
10. It prevents kidney damage
    The kidneys regulate fluid in the body. Insufficient water can lead to kidney stones and other problems.
11. It boosts performance during exercise

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Dehydration during exercise may hinder performance.
Some scientists have proposed that consuming more water might enhance performance during strenuous activity.
More research is needed to confirm this, but one review found that dehydration reduces performance in activities lasting longer than 30 minutes.

14. Weight loss
    Water may also help with weight loss, if it is consumed instead of sweetened juices and sodas. “Preloading” with water before meals can help prevent overeating by creating a sense of fullness.
15. It reduces the chance of a hangover
    When partying, unsweetened soda water with ice and lemon alternated with alcoholic drinks can help prevent overconsumption of alcohol.

You might see electrolytes mentioned on sports drinks or expensive bottled water, but what exactly are they and do you really need them to stay hydrated? Let’s look at some of the facts and theories behind electrolytes and hydration.

What are electrolytes?

An electrolyte is a particle that carries an electric charge and can conduct electricity when combined with water. In this context, we’re talking about essential minerals, such as sodium and potassium, that allow things like our muscle tissues and nerve cells to function properly. They are necessary to allow our muscles to contract and our nerves to send signals.

Important electrolytes include:

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Chloride
• Phosphate

Electrolytes also play an important role in hydration. If you don’t drink enough fluids or eat enough food, or if you lose a lot of fluids through excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea, then you can experience an electrolyte imbalance. Imbalances can cause mild to severe symptoms, from fatigue, weakness, and muscle twitches to confusion, seizures, and an irregular heartbeat.

This is because your body loses both fluids and electrolytes when you sweat or excrete fluid in other ways. So, it’s important to replace those electrolytes just like you replace your fluids to stay hydrated.

How to replace electrolytes

Most of our electrolytes come from the food that we eat. For example, two common electrolytes are sodium and chloride, aka table salt. Of course, salt is one of the substances that we need to consume in moderation for the sake of heart health and other aspects of our health, but it is still necessary to a degree.

Are sports drinks or electrolyte water necessary for staying hydrated and replenishing your electrolytes? For most people, the answer is no. Elite athletes or those who take part in long events such as marathon running can benefit from electrolyte drinks to maintain the balance in their bodies. However, most people will simply be able to restore their electrolytes by eating a healthy snack or meal after their workout.

Also, most water contains trace amounts of electrolytes (except for filtered water), so you’re still topping them up slightly if you drink enough water during your workouts. Even if it’s water straight from the tap!

Mountain Park Spring Water are here to keep you hydrated with our bottled water delivery service and water dispensers and filtration systems. Get in touch to find out more about our services across North Carolina and Virginia.