If you’re feeling tired, it may not be your quality or lack of sleep, it may be dehydration. Did you know 75% of people are dehydrated? That’s a lot of people walking around not functioning to their potential. You’ve heard it so many times before: “drink more water!” But really, you must if you want to feel your very best.
Dehydration occurs when the body loses water, causing the blood volume to decrease. When the blood volume decreases, the amount of oxygen delivered to the brain decreases. As the brain becomes less oxygenated, it causes fatigue along with a domino effect of other ailments. Here’s how it happens:
Blood Pressure
When the blood pressure drops, the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. This increases the workload on the heart, which can lead to heart failure.
Heart Rate
The heart rate is directly related to the amount of oxygen being delivered to the brain. If the heart rate goes down, then the amount of oxygen delivered decreases.
Respiratory Rate
If the respiratory rate slows down, the lungs have to work harder to take in air. This means that they need to work longer than usual, which can cause shortness of breath.
Body Temperature
As the temperature rises, the body’s core temperature increases. A higher temperature requires more energy to maintain.
Sweating
Sweat glands produce sweat to cool the body. If the body doesn’t get enough moisture, the sweat glands don’t function properly.
Muscles
Muscle cells require water to contract. Without adequate amounts of water, muscles become weak and fatigued.
