I hear this all the time, “I already have to pee all the time, why would I drink more water?”
Consider this: by having enough liquid in our bowels, we can poo normally rather than having the large intestine pulling the toxins back into our body. Solving constipation reduces toxins then the liver can function better and the kidneys are not in overdrive. When toxins become diluted, it’s easier for the liver to cleanse the body, and it alleviates the emergency response of the liver and the kidneys.
If the kidneys are not in overdrive cleansing toxins by sending them to the bladder for emergency elimination, urination frequency decreases. Now the kidneys are free to use their energy to nourish the brain and increase brain energy, something really lacking in the Parkinson’s body.
Are you Thirsty?
Guess what – by the time you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. That thirst is your body calling for re-hydration. Every function in our body requires water, from breathing to thinking.
10 Other Reasons to Drink More Water
In case you’re not convinced you should start drinking more water, here are 10 more reasons:
- Be less cranky. Dehydration affects your mood, makes you grumpy and confused.
- Helps with balance. If you are even a little light-headed due to lack of hydration and low blood pressure, your balance will be affected. You can fall which could have catastrophic results.
- Move better. Hydration contributes to better exercise sessions both muscular endurance and strength.
- Improves fatigue or lack of energy. Water composes 75% of our muscle tissue. Dehydration leads to weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and electrolyte imbalance. Think of that flower that seems dead, you give it a little water and it perks right up.
- Lose weight. Fat oxidation (fat loss) takes a lot of water to kick into action. Most people do not know this.
- Less joint pain. Drinking water can reduce pain in your joints by keeping the cartilage soft and hydrated. This is how glucosamine helps reduce joint pain, by aiding in cartilage’s absorption of water.
- Prevent headaches. Sometimes headaches can be caused by dehydration. Next time your head hurts, try drinking water.
- Improves skin. Our skin is the largest organ in our body. Extreme dry skin and/or seborrheic dermatitis is often a problem for people with Parkinson’s. Water consumption can improve the health of your skin by building new cells properly and regulate body temperature through sweating.
- Proper circulation of nutrients. Water serves as the body’s transportation system.
- Prevent cancer. Research says staying hydrated can reduce risk of colon cancer by 45% and bladder cancer by 50% by keeping things flushed out.
Quick Rules of Thumb for Drinking Water:
- Drink half your bodyweight in ounces of water (if you weight 160 lbs, drink 80oz of water each day).
- Carry a bottle everywhere with you as a reminder to keep drinking.
- Make your water taste good, try cucumber, lemon or other flavorings.
- Eat raw fruits and vegetables – they are dense in water. You can get water from food, not just from beverages.
- Use a straw, you’ll drink more.
- Drink water and other fluids until your pee is clear.