A staggering seventy-five percent of Americans are believed to be chronically dehydrated.
How can this be, when water is so accessible? The truth is, we often don’t drink enough of it. Instead, we dilute it with sugary additives and artificial flavors, which can actually lead to fluid loss. On top of that, we consume dehydrating substances like alcohol, caffeine, salty snacks, and energy drinks.
Considering that our bodies are about two-thirds water, with the brain made up of ninety-five percent water and the lungs ninety percent, hydration is essential. Water supports nearly every biochemical process in the body, and without enough of it, our metabolism slows.
Water also plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature, cushioning joints, protecting organs, flushing out waste, aiding nutrient absorption, converting food into energy, and delivering oxygen to cells. Staying hydrated is not just important—it’s vital.
Even a two percent drop in your body’s water content can trigger symptoms of dehydration.
While the general recommendation is to drink about two liters of water daily, many health experts suggest sipping water consistently throughout the day, even if you’re not feeling thirsty. People who are physically active, breastfeeding, or elderly may need even more.
So, if you suspect you’re dehydrated, you probably are.
Pay attention to your body’s signals and make hydration a priority—it’s one of the simplest ways to support your overall health.