Dehydrated cells are inefficient cells: when the cell is dehydrated, its membrane becomes convoluted and the distance across the membrane increases. Substances that must traverse the membrane of a dehydrated cell are met with greater resistance. Oxygen and nutrients will not enter as readily; metabolic waste cannot leave as easily. When the cell is not functioning optimally, now can the body?
Research has shown chronic dehydration to be the root cause of many diseases associated with aging (e.g. arthritis, G.I disorders, senile dementia). To complicate the situation, our "thirst signals" decline as we become accustomed to being dehydrated and as we age. Don’t count on coffee or sodas to achieve a daily hydration goal. Because of the caffeine in coffee and most sodas, you need to consume at least the same amount of water just to break even. Sugar content in sodas exerts great osmotic pressure; water is lost from the blood to make the soda dilute enough to leave the stomach.
Every breath we exhale is always 100% humid. It does not matter what the relative humidity is that day; generally in air-conditioned buildings , the air is about 10% humid. The difference comes from our water reserves. Perspiration is not always noticed in dry climates because it is wicked away before it can bead on your skin. Even though you may not see it, be assured that you are certainly losing fluid reserves through sweating.
The 3 Cs: You will know you are sufficiently hydrated when your urine is Clear, Colorless, and Copious! That is truly the best (and easiest) way.
"If you don’t take care of your body, where will you live?"