Finalizing the talk on digestion. Digestive problems-reason number five.
5 - Dehydration
Water is essential for human health. Proper hydration helps lubricate our joints, promotes brain function, and supports healthy skin. Hydration is also a critical factor for improving digestion and gut health.
Your body uses fluid to lubricate the digestive system, which helps to move food along as it travels through your stomach, intestines, and colon. If there isn’t enough fluid to keep the food moving, it can get stuck or slow down. This can cause uncomfortable symptoms like constipation or bloating.
Fluid is also used to transport the enzymes we discussed that are responsible for breaking food down. When you are dehydrated, it can actually cause inflammation in the intestines due to the constant rubbing of food against them without lubrication.
OK, so hydration is important for digestive health, but how much water do we actually need?
While water requirements are individual and highly variable based on metabolic needs, environmental conditions, and physical activity, it’s suggested that 2.2 liters (nine cups) per day for women and three liters (12 cups) for men is the ideal minimum amount.
Here are a few tips for increasing your water intake:
● Keep a water bottle in your car and try to take it everywhere you go!
● Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption, as these dehydrate you.
● Eat thirst-quenching foods with a high water content, such as watermelon, celery, cantaloupe, and spinach.
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