Water makes up about 60% of the entire body. How amazing is that? Our brains are 73%, our lungs are 83%, and our muscles are 79% water. Every cell in the human body requires water to function. There’s no question that water is absolutely vital for our bodies to be at peak performance.
by Dr. Karissa Walton, Founder & Medical Director, The Mobile Health Doc
As we welcome another beautiful Prescott summer, and are finally able to increase outdoor activity, we must also increase our water intake. Proper hydration is paramount in the dry and warm climate we live in. We must continually replenish our body’s water reserves as much is lost through the rapid evaporation of sweat when we exercise outdoors.
The average adult typically requires a minimum water consumption of half of one’s body weight in ounces daily (e.g. 75 ounces for a 150-pound adult). However, the hydration demands are even higher as outdoor temperature and activity levels increase. The amount of additional water varies depending on the individual and activity being performed.
Proper hydration has numerous health benefits including:
- Lubricating joints, preventing injury
- Promoting smoother, healthier, younger looking skin
- Increasing energy and physical performance
- Improving brain function and overall mood
- Helping detox the body through better digestion and elimination
How do you know if you’re not getting enough water? First and foremost, if you are thirsty, your body is telling you that it is already dehydrated. Other symptoms of dehydration include headaches, dark urine, minimal urine output, dizziness, dry mouth, muscle cramps, fatigue and confusion.
One of the best ways to take care of your body this summer is to drink the right amount and type of fluids. Adding high-quality electrolytes to your water is often needed to ensure the body is able to absorb and use all that wonderful water you are drinking. It is best to avoid traditional sports drinks as they often contain high levels of sugar and/or additives that could be detrimental to your health.
Another excellent way to optimize hydration is to treat yourself to routine intravenous (IV) therapy! There are many different nutrients (electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, etc.) that can be added during the IV treatment to boost your overall health as well. Please seek out a licensed health care practitioner who can evaluate if this would be a safe and effective treatment for you.
Happy trails and cheers with an ice-cold water!