...viscous and easier to expel. drinking water or juice can soothe other cold and flu symptoms as well, including a dry, scratchy throat....
1. Water is essential to human life: it forms the basis for all bodily fluids, including blood; it aids in the transportation and absorption of nutrients; and it helps to flush waste and toxins from the body. the average person requires eight to 10 glasses of water a day, but if you think you need more, drink up. you never want to reach the point where you feel thirsty.
2. Cold viruses thrive in arid conditions, which is one of the reasons they are more prevalent in the dry winter months. it is much easier for germs to permeate the protective mucus membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth when their cells are dehydrated.
3. Fluids helps break up congestion. As the water content of mucus increases, it becomes less viscous and easier to expel. drinking water or juice can soothe other cold and flu symptoms as well, including a dry, scratchy throat.
4. Cold-weather fitness fanatics may not realize how much fluid they lose through their breath alone. in the warmer months, all that excessive sweat acts as a reminder to rehydrate post-workout. A winter's day run also leads to significant water loss--even in the absence of sweat--which still needs to be replaced.
5. Many drinks that warm you up can also dry you out. beware the dehydrating effects of coffee and tea. Although they are composed primarily of water, these bevvies are in fact diuretic, which means they will increase urine production. if you consume a lot of caffeinated beverages, be sure to compensate by upping your water intake.
6. A typical adult loses close to 2.5 litres of water a day simply by sweating, breathing and going to the washroom. that's just on average. if you're sick and running a fever, vomiting or coping with diarrhea, that number rises tremendously and with it, your risk of dehydration.
7. Dehydration can lead to some extremely serious complications, including cerebral edema (swelling of the brain), seizure, hypovolaemic shock, kidney failure, coma and even death. it's not worth the risk.
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Information courtesy of the National Post for public health benefit. Feb. 17. 2020
1. Water is essential to human life: it forms the basis for all bodily fluids, including blood; it aids in the transportation and absorption of nutrients; and it helps to flush waste and toxins from the body. the average person requires eight to 10 glasses of water a day, but if you think you need more, drink up. you never want to reach the point where you feel thirsty.
2. Cold viruses thrive in arid conditions, which is one of the reasons they are more prevalent in the dry winter months. it is much easier for germs to permeate the protective mucus membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth when their cells are dehydrated.
3. Fluids helps break up congestion. As the water content of mucus increases, it becomes less viscous and easier to expel. drinking water or juice can soothe other cold and flu symptoms as well, including a dry, scratchy throat.
4. Cold-weather fitness fanatics may not realize how much fluid they lose through their breath alone. in the warmer months, all that excessive sweat acts as a reminder to rehydrate post-workout. A winter's day run also leads to significant water loss--even in the absence of sweat--which still needs to be replaced.
5. Many drinks that warm you up can also dry you out. beware the dehydrating effects of coffee and tea. Although they are composed primarily of water, these bevvies are in fact diuretic, which means they will increase urine production. if you consume a lot of caffeinated beverages, be sure to compensate by upping your water intake.
6. A typical adult loses close to 2.5 litres of water a day simply by sweating, breathing and going to the washroom. that's just on average. if you're sick and running a fever, vomiting or coping with diarrhea, that number rises tremendously and with it, your risk of dehydration.
7. Dehydration can lead to some extremely serious complications, including cerebral edema (swelling of the brain), seizure, hypovolaemic shock, kidney failure, coma and even death. it's not worth the risk.
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Information courtesy of the National Post for public health benefit. Feb. 17. 2020
