According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, more than half of American children and adolescents are not getting enough hydration. Another study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that about 43% of adults drink less than four cups of water per day, which is less than half of the recommended amount.
It is recommended that adults drink at least eight cups (64 ounces) of water per day. And no, coffee, tea, and soda do not count as water.
Some of the more well-known results of dehydration are:
Urinary tract infections: When the body is dehydrated, the urine becomes concentrated, which can lead to the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract and increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
Kidney stones: Dehydration can lead to the formation of kidney stones, which are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys.
Constipation: When the body is dehydrated, the colon absorbs more water from the stool, making it harder and more difficult to pass.
Headaches and migraines: Dehydration can cause headaches and migraines due to the loss of fluid and electrolytes in the body.
Low blood pressure: Dehydration can cause a decrease in blood volume, which can lead to low blood pressure and fainting.
Your Body's Many Cries for Water
For less known consequences of chronic dehydration, check out the book Your Body's Many Cries for Water. It was written by Dr. Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, a physician who believed that many common health problems are caused by chronic dehydration.
In the book, Dr. Batmanghelidj argues that dehydration can contribute to a variety of conditions, including asthma, allergies, high blood pressure, pain, fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, and even cancer.
Dr. Batmanghelidj based his ideas on his experiences as a physician in a prison camp in Iran during the Iran-Iraq war, where he was able to successfully treat prisoners with a variety of conditions using only water. He believed that many of the health problems he saw were due to chronic dehydration, and that drinking enough water could alleviate these problems.
Skin Health & Hydration
Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy skin, including the skin on your face. When the skin is dehydrated, it can become dry, flaky, and prone to irritation and inflammation. In addition, dehydration can cause the skin to produce excess oil, which can lead to acne and other skin problems. Drinking enough water is one of the easiest ways to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. No amount of skin cream can replace water proper consumption.
Acupuncture
It is important to stay properly hydrated before and after acupuncture treatments. Drinking enough water can help the body flush out any toxins that may be released during the treatment and help support the body's natural healing processes.