
Water's roles in the body are invaluable. Think of it as the body's transportation system, allowing chemical reactions inside the 200+ types of human cells. It provides structure and support to all these cells and tissues while protecting multiple 'moving' organs such as the heart, lungs, intestines, and eyes. Indeed, water is critical to our overall health and performance. To give you a visual, water makes up about 60% of your body weight, with different organs and tissues having varying water content.
Adequate hydration can help ease chronic aches and pains and reduce the chances of soft tissue injuries. It functions as a joint lubricant, allowing muscles to slide smoothly without adhering to each other. Dehydration prioritizes vital organs and draws H2O from our soft tissue. The result is stiff and less elastic tissue that snags easily on other tissues during movement. This can lead to muscle cramps, strains, and the development of trigger points, sensitive muscle areas that can cause pain and discomfort.
Water's role in regenerating the building blocks of fascia, the connective tissue enveloping every part of our bodies, is a reason for optimism. Fascia is crucial for our structural integrity. Water aids in restoring fascia after physical strain and supports healthy renewal as we age, offering hope for maintaining our body's health and function.
When performing stretches, massages, or regular exercises, water moves around and in the soft tissue structures, rehydrating these tissues. This process helps regenerate healthy fibers and clear inflammatory waste products from the area. When dehydrated, this water movement is significantly decreased, limiting the body's ability to reduce inflammation and repair damage.
When you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated, and your muscles and tendons are among the first to suffer. However, you can proactively avoid this by drinking one to two large glasses of water each morning. This will ensure you stay ahead of your hydration needs and maintain control over your health.
Dehydration can also make us fatter. How? The body's muscle glycogen stores, the primary storage form of glucose in the body, are stored along with water. There should be three grams of water for every gram of glycogen in muscle. Dehydration forces glucose to remain in the bloodstream instead of muscle until it finally goes to the liver for overflow. When the liver is full, the excess sugar has nowhere else to go but your fat cells.
Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. Water makes up 40-75% of an adult's body weight. Muscle tissue is 70-75% water and receives nutrients almost entirely from blood. Adequate hydration should be a top priority.
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