Are you Dehydrated?

Dehydration, says Dr. Marofsky, is a condition that occurs when you lose more fluids than you are taking in. The amount of fluid in your body then drops below the level needed for normal body function. This fluid is made up of water, electrolytes, and waste products. Surprisingly, your body loses about 2.5 liters of water per day through urine, sweat, and evaporation from your breath.

"Electrolyte" is a scientific term for salt ions. Body fluids -- blood, plasma, interstitial fluid (fluid between cells) -- are like seawater and have high concentrations of sodium chloride, containing the electrolytes sodium and chloride. Your body contains other important electrolytes including potassium, calcium, and bicarbonate. It uses electrolytes to carry important electrical signals to and from the brain.

Dehydration symptoms start when 2% of your normal water volume is lost. They include dizziness, headaches, dry skin and mouth, cramps, profuse sweating, darker and less urine. More severe symptoms may include: impaired mental performance, stumbling, shriveled skin, sunken eyes, muscular spasm, and nausea, and could eventually lead to heat stroke. Thirst is an indicator of dehydration, but not an early warning sign. By the time you feel thirsty, dehydration has occurred.

Avoid dehydration by drinking water and replenishing the necessary electrolytes. Your body is made up of 60% to 70% water which is essential for digestion, circulation, temperature regulation, joint lubrication, and detoxification.

Dr. Howard Flaks, a bariatric (obesity) specialist in Beverly Hills, California, says, "By not drinking enough water, many people incur excess body fat, poor muscle tone and size, decreased digestive efficiency and organ function, increased toxicity in the body, joint and muscle soreness, and water retention." The minimum amount of water recommended for a healthy adult is 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses a day. Your body will require more on hot days or when engaged in physical activity.

Incredibly 10% of Americans drink no water at all, and unfortunately, drink about 6 servings a day of coffee, soda, and other caffeinated beverages. These drinks cause the body to lose water, making the problem worse.

Hook Up With Health and the Wholefood Farmacy Stardust 2 Hydr8 for a great way to help your body to operate at peak performance and to maintain proper hydration. Mixing one level teaspoon of Stardust 2 Hydr8 with a gallon of water and then drinking one or two glasses per day is a wonderful way to keep up your levels of electrolyte and to stay properly hydrated.

Hook Up With Health by staying properly hydrated today!

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