Water, we’ve all heard, is the most important nutrient. It regulates your body’s temperature and transports all other nutrients.

Your body is roughly 70 percent water. The statistics are varied because it breaks down even further: Your blood is composed of 83% percent water, lungs are 90%, brain 90%, and so on.

Although some of the water required by the body is obtained through foods with a high-water content (soups, tomatoes, oranges) the majority is gained through drinking water and other beverages. Preferably without caffeine or artificial sweeteners. Caffeinated beverages can actually increase your need for more water and dehydrate the body (caffeine is a diuretic) so a lot of caffeinated coffee or soda will not quench your thirst.

During every day functioning, water is lost by the body, and needs to be replaced. It is noticeable that we lose water through activities such as sweating and urination, but water is even lost when breathing.

Your kidneys filter around 120 – 150 quarts (60 – 75 litres) of fluid per day. 1 – 2 quarts (2-4 litres) are removed from the body in urine. And a whopping 198 quarts (99 litres) are recovered from the bloodstream!

So, what’s the big deal if you don’t drink enough? For starters, your kidneys need it to function properly. Without enough water they cannot filter waste products. Excess fluid can build up inside the body leading to Urinary Tract Infections, Kidney Stones (yes, the leading cause is lack of water!), and an increased risk of chronic kidney disease.

We all know that dehydration leads to an imbalance in electrolytes such as potassium, phosphates and sodium. But did you know they carry electric signals between your cells? When your kidneys are unable to maintain a balance in electrolyte levels, electrical signals become mixed up which can lead to seizures, involuntary muscle movements (spasms and cramping) and even loss of consciousness.

But that’s not all! Dehydration:

• Can affect blood thickness and increase blood pressure.

• Airways are restricted to minimize water loss potentially making asthma and allergies worse.

• Make you prone to skin disorders and premature wrinkling.

• Give you constipation and heartburn.

• Your cartilage (in joints and spine) contain 80% water. If dehydration is ongoing, joints become less efficient at shock absorption and can lead to joint pain.

• Your brain structure and function relies of proper hydration. Prolonged dehydration can even impair cognitive ability!

A very big deal, after all!

An interesting statistic by Medical News Today suggested a correlation that those who drank a low volume of water also consumed less fruit and vegetables. Yet more food for thought!

Massage Therapy helps your body circulate toxins that get ‘stuck’ in your muscles and tissues. So, when your massage therapist tells you to drink plenty of water after your treatment, now you know why.

Book your massage therapy appointment and let us help you drain those excess toxins from your lymphatic system today!