Believe it or not, you’re probably dehydrated, and you are not alone. According to KetteringHealth.org, “The truth is most Americans are dehydrated. Nearly 75% drink at most 2.5 cups of water, the equivalent of one bottled water, a day.”

This may not seem like a big deal after all. If everyone is dehydrated it must be safe, but it is not. Kettering Health talks about the effects of chronic dehydration. Such symptoms can include headaches, tiredness, problems with skin, retaining fat, and cramps. It can also cause blood to thicken, stressing the heart, and making it harder for your body to get oxygen.

If you still think this doesn’t apply to you, you should know that according to Anna Ludwick, Kettering Health paramedic Anna Ludwick, “If you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.” If you plan on getting a coffee or soda to rehydrate yourself then you should know that these beverages can actually make you more dehydrated.

When asked about the effects of dehydration, RHS science teacher Mrs. Greco stated, “I can’t think of anything that water does not contribute to the efficiency of.”

Greco stated, “…a lot of people being that they are chronically dehydrated, they’re getting enough water that they’re getting by, but they could be feeling so much better, sleeping so much better.”

Drinking ordinary water is the best way to rehydrate yourself. The National Academy of Medicine suggests,” An adequate intake of daily fluids of about 13 cups and 9 cups for healthy men and women, respectively, with 1 cup equaling 8 ounces.” (Source: https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/water/) If you are not drinking that much water, then you need to increase your water intake.