As we enter the summer, there is one thing that we do not pay close attention to. That is water. We tend to be caught up running around enjoying what summer has to offer, never giving hydration a second thought. I would like to take this time to educate you and help you realize that this topic should not be taken lightly. Let's start with some basics:

What is dehydration: It is severe deficit of body fluids, will result in death if is prolonged. Some of the causes include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive perspiration, and too little fluid intake.

The normal proportion of body water varies from 50% to 70% of a person's weight. It is highest in the young and in the thin, muscular individuals. As the amount of fat increases, and as a person ages, the percentage of water in the body decreases. Water is important to living cells as a solvent, as a transport medium, and as a participant in metabolic reactions.

There are various electrolytes (salts), nutrients, gases, waste, and special substances such as enzymes and hormones are dissolved or suspended in body water. Whenever the volume of these fluids deviates even slightly from normal, disease results. The kidneys, which regulate the volume and composition of body fluids, will greatly suffer. Water is constantly being lost from the body by our skin, lungs, intestinal tract, and our kidneys. Our kidneys excrete the largest quantity of water lost each day. Some of my clients that engage in routine activities said that they consume around 6 to 8 cups of fluid daily to meet there needs. This was as water, juices, and milk. It's just not enough of straight water being consumed. Remember that beverages containing alcohol or caffeine should not be included in the total amount of fluids ingested because they act as diuretics and increase water loss.

The thirst center of the brain should stimulate enough drinking to balance fluids, but this is not always the case. When exercising vigorously for an extended period of time, especially in hot weather, the body can dehydrate rapidly. Most times without you realizing it. If you start feeling thirsty you body is in the first stage of dehydration. In addition, if plain water is consumed, the dilution of body fluids may depress the thirst center. People who exercise very strenuously may need to drink beverages with some carbohydrates for energy and also some electrolytes to keep fluids in balance. The best advice I could give is to bring a large bottle of water with you to the gym. Drink about 8 to 12 ounces every 15 minutes of exercise. If you are in your car most of the day, bring adequate amounts of water with you. Your body is an intense machine, feed it with high quality foods and keep it hydrated and you will love the results. Remember that you success begins and ends with you.