Another thing that is important for us to do on a daily basis is ensure we remain hydrated.
Proper hydration allows our bodies to regulate body temperature. It also keeps joints lubricated and helps deliver nutrients to cells. Drinking adequate water helps us sleep better, improves mood, fight infections, and can improve cognition.
If you're dehydrated, even slightly, your heart has to work harder to pump blood, which can increase your heart rate and cause an irregular heartbeat or palpitations. Dehydration thickens your blood and makes blood vessel walls constrict which can cause hypertension, or high blood pressure, and strain your heart.
Symptoms of dehydration include: • thirst • dry skin • fatigue and weakness • increased body temperature • muscle cramping • headaches • nausea • darker-coloured urine • dry mucous membranes (mouth, nose, eyes)
Severe dehydration can also include: • muscle spasms • vomiting • dark urine • vision problems • loss of consciousness • kidney and liver failure
Tomorrow I will talk about how much we should drink and what we should drink to aid hydration.
The colour of your pee can tell you if you are hydrated enough. Check out the chart below. Please note the colour of your urine could change according to what you've eaten, for instance blueberries or beetroot. And some supplements and medication may change the colour.
Karen is a qualified personal trainer and nutrition coach living in Cyprus near Paphos with her husband Mal and their cat Dave. She has been a personal trainer for 14 years and a qualified nutrition coach for over 2 years. She is passionate about working with people of any age and fitness level to improve their health and wellbeing.
Click here to see more of her posts.
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