Complications of Dehydration

Almost 50% of Americans are dehydrated, and most people don't realize that this is the root of many common health problems in our society!  If our bodies are not hydrated properly, the cells cannot assimilate nutrients or remove waste effectively.  Likewise, if someone is even 1% dehydrated, there is a 5% loss in cognitive functioning because the brain requires water to signal effectively.  This means that if you are dehydrated, you are more likely to be mentally foggy, fatigued, and have difficulty focusing!  Other complications of dehydration include obesity, high cholesterol, arthritis, diabetes, constipation, allergies, hypertension, heartburn, pain, and cancer.  Many of the common beverages in our society, such as sodas and sports drinks, further contribute to dehydration.  It is hard to believe that all these beverages marketed to athletes (e.g., Gatorade, Propel, Powerade, Vitamin Water, Sobe Energy, etc.) are actually highly acidic and dehydrating!