Over the summer I got the chance to experience severe dehydration and ended up having heat stroke and couldn’t even say my own name, since than I have been very conscious about staying hydrated. Staying hydrated not only helps you perform better but also helps you feel better. Drinking water should go hand and hand with breathing, the human body is fifty to sixty percent water. The affects of dehydration become noticeable after only two percent fluid loss, at this level you may experience light headedness or head rushes, loss of appetite, and dry mouth. At five percent fluid loss the symptoms become worse and worse, the heart may begin to beat rapidly a “dehydration headache” can occur, hands and feet might start to feel numb or tingly, and nausea can come on. At ten percent fluid loss it is considered severe dehydration, vomiting, muscle spasm, loss of consciousness, trouble breathing, abnormal heart beat, and chest pains are just some of the symptoms, if any of these are experienced than immediate medical attention is needed
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Now all this seems pretty scary but staying hydrated can be pretty easy, and could maybe even save your life. The most important thing you can do is drink water! Now it is said you should drink at least 8 cups of water a day personally I think this is a bit much unless you’re active or involved in something strenuous. Another way to help you stay hydrated is to eat properly oddly enough the amount of salts and potassium can have a huge affect on the way your body can absorb water. Even though sodium can help you stay hydrated you shouldn’t get over zealous and go all out with sodium, it’s good for you in the right amounts about 2000 milligrams a day, the same goes for potassium, it recommended you take in 2000-3000 milligrams per day. A good source potassium and sodium would be sports drinks like Gatorade or PowerAde (even though most sports drinks have a lot of sugar), eggs, meats, fruits, and nuts are good sources and are also rich in proteins and many other vitamins and minerals your body needs to function properly.

So remember drink lots of water and watch for the signs to save yourself some trouble or maybe even YOUR LIFE!