Well before intermittent fasting became a fad those of us living with sickle cell knew about the importance of drinking water. People living with sickle cell know that water is crucial for health. Water plays a key role in many of our body’s functions, including bringing nutrients to cells, getting rid of toxins, protecting joints and organs, it helps brains to function and water maintains body temperature.   Water makes up majority of our body weight.

Water is needed for most body functions including maintaining the health and integrity of every cell in the body. Water keeps the bloodstream liquid enough to flow through blood vessels. Water helps eliminate the by-products of the body’s metabolism, excess electrolytes for example (sodium and potassium), and urea, which is a waste product formed through the processing of dietary protein.  Water helps to maintain a healthy weight.

Anyone living with sickle cell will do well to drink plenty of water because water consumption helps lubricate and cushion the joints, disks of the spine, cartilage found in the joints and tissues.  For this reason alone, anyone living with Sickle cell should consider drinking the required amount of water daily.

The body uses water to sweat, urinate and have bowel movements. The bowel needs water to work properly. Water regulates body temperature when you’re exercising or in a warm climate. You definitely need adequate water to replenish the lost fluid from sweat. Your body needs more water when you’re in a hot climate, when you are physically active, when you’re running a fever, and when you’re having diarrhoea or vomiting.

You need adequate water in your system to have a healthy stool and avoid constipation. The kidneys and liver are also important for filtering our waste through urination. Satisfactory water intake helps the kidneys work more efficiently and helps to prevent kidney stones.  Water moistens tissues in the eyes, nose, and mouth.  Drinking water also helps keep the mouth clean.

Drinking water before, during, and after a meal will help your body breakdown the food you eat more easily. This will help you digest food more effectively and get the most out of your meals.  Research has shown that the body adapts to changes in the consistency of food and stomach contents, whether more solid or more liquid.

As well as helping with food breakdown, water also helps dissolve vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from your food. It then delivers these vitamins components to the rest of your body for use.

Water delivers oxygen and it improves blood oxygen circulation because it carries helpful nutrients and oxygen to your entire body.  Blood is more than 90 per cent water and blood carries oxygen to different parts of the body. Reaching your daily water intake will improve your circulation and have a positive impact on your overall health.

Drinking enough water can help prevent certain medical conditions such as constipation, kidney stones, exercise induced asthma, urinary tract infection, hypertension.  Water also helps you absorb important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from your food, which will increase your chances of staying healthy.

Drinking water may also activate your metabolism, which has been associated with a positive impact on energy level. Drinking water, staying hydrated is key to cognitive function.  Research has shown that not drinking enough water can negatively impact one’s focus, alertness, and short-term memory.  Drinking water helps to improve our moods. Dehydration may result in fatigue, confusion as well as anxiety.

Ways to stay hydrated is by developing healthy water habits. By practising some of these tips, there will soon become a natural part of your day. Start your day off by drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up instead of having a cup of tea or coffee. Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go throughout the day. Set goals for yourself, this could be making sure you drink water every 30 minutes.  Drink some water after each meal or snack. Avoid beverages in order not to gain extra calories and have tooth decay.

Water has no calories, so it can help with managing body weight and reducing calorie intake when substituted with drinks with calories such as juices, sweet tea, or regular soft drinks.

A satisfactory water intake will help keep one’s skin hydrated and may improve collagen production.  There are many drink choices out there.  Water should be your first-choice beverage for best hydration. Drinking the right amount of water for your personal health and activity level is vital.  If you do not like plain water, try sparkling water, or healthy add ins like fresh mint leaves, sliced cucumber, lemon or lime slices or wedges, and other fruits, to add flavour and variety to your water.  You could also add a splash or fruit juice unto your water or make your own fruit infused water.  Drink non-fat milk.  Another way to drink in a fun way is to combine ice and fruit in a blender to create a slushy and refreshing drink. Drink decaffeinated beverages and ask for water when dining out.

Eat foods with high water content such as fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, watermelons, other melons, lettuce, celery, grapes, oranges, bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes.

Water should always be your go to beverage. Choose water over sugary drinks, like soft drinks or juices which can be high in simple sugars and calories.  By consuming the minimum recommendation of water, you’re helping your body function better and improving your overall health.

Do not wait until you’re thirsty to drink water, as this could mean that you may be already slightly dehydrated. Being thirsty is usually an indication that your body fluids are well below required levels for optimal function. Drink water before becoming thirsty or feel a dry mouth. Drink water often and stay healthy.

Until next time.

If you would like to get in touch with me about Sickle cell, do so, via email: [email protected]. And do checkout my blog:     https://www.dailylivingwithsicklecell.com/    My book on Sickle Cell – HOW TO LIVE WITH SICKLE CELL and my other books are available for purchase on www.amazon.com