Hydration and Heart Health- An Essential Connection

It's 8pm and you realize, again, that you have only had 1 or 2 cups of water today. Not near the 80 or 100 ounces your goal was to drink (or more). You take a few sips of water at bed time and vow to do better tomorrow; you can't chug it now. You'd be up all night going to the bathroom, right?

Sound familiar?

It's estimated that as much as 70% of the general population in the US are chronically dehydrated. The elderly are 20-30% more likely to be dehydrated. Kids may be at risk, because they may not be trained on the importance of drinking water regularly. Athletes are at risk due to excessive sweating. Dehydration is common, and unfortunately.... it's also very dangerous. 

Dehydration causes lower blood volume, which means the heart may need to speed up or beat harder to compensate. This can cause an irregular heart beat, or even high blood pressure. High blood pressure is directly linked to heart attack. 

Yep. Dehydration is indirectly linked to heart attack risk. It's, at the same time, directly linked to overall heart health, because the more water you drink, the better your circulation will be. 

Drinking water is essential. You CANNOT live without it. If you are going days without meaningful hydration, it may be just a matter of time before it backfires. Trust this nutritionist and try to make it a priority. 

Dehydration can cause:

• low energy
• brain fog
• headache
• vomiting
• lose bowel
• heart palpitations
• light headedness
• bloating
• constipation

Rather than getting bamboozled at bed time, I recommend getting a head start with hydration as soon as you wake up. Yep...wake up, make the bed, walk to the sink, and chug the water. Drink about 10-12 ounces before you even brush your teeth or go to the bathroom. Just drink!

This gives you a head start on hydration. 

Benefits of optimal hydration:

• heart health
• weight loss
• hormone balance
• good energy
• warm hands and feet
• improved memory
• regularity

And as for bed time, it's actually best to go ahead and have a glass of water. It can decrease your chances of having heart issues overnight. Also, get a cup of water ready to drink for first thing in the morning. It will increase your chances of drinking it!

So, here's to drinking water, staying hydrated and staying healthy at any and all times of the day. 

Cheers!