The thing about dehydration is that it's sneaky. By the time you feel thirsty, you are most likely already in a dehydrated state. And, as Simpson points out, "as we age, our thirst mechanism can become less sensitive." If you are not drinking enough water, the blood flow (and so the flow of oxygen and nutrients) to your organs, including your brain, is slowed. A water deficit leaves you feeling listless and leaves your skin and hair looking dull and dry.
Do you necessarily need to drink those mythical eight glasses of water a day? No. But do make sure you are getting enough of it, especially if you are sweating or are exposed to excessive heat or dry air (e.g. airplane flights). Sports drinks and designer waters are fine (studies have shown that, paradoxically, sodium helps your body rehydrate), but be aware (and beware) of the sugar and calories many of these beverages contain.
Also, Simpson notes, "If you are consuming water, choosing foods in their natural form, such as fruits and vegetables and minimizing diuretics such as coffee and alcohol, then [you] can generally attain a healthy water balance." So, you can get your water flat or bubbly or from fruits and their juices, just don't count the water in your coffee or your scotch and soda.
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The Zapper: Clutter
At work you've got piles of papers closing in on you that you don't have time to file. At home, there's a week's worth of mail to sort through, take-out-menus all over your center island, and reams of "art" that your children have brought home from school that you just can't bring yourself to throw out piling up. Guess what? All that stuff is waging a two-pronged assault on your energy stores: First, there's the feng shui kind of drain that a chaos-filled space engenders and then there is the time that you waste looking for things.
Getting rid of clutter will make you more organized, more productive and happier at work and home. If you fear you may have a smidge of the hoarding gene, have some friends come over to help you clear out your space. Be ruthless. If you're not going to read it, if the kids aren't going to miss it (they won't), if you haven't worn it in the last year � Throw. It. Out.
There's an energy shortage in today's society that has nothing to do with fossil fuels. It's a health issue. We're talking about the kind of energy you need to get through the day. And, with the proliferation of energy bars, energy drinks and energy supplements, it's clear that a lot of us are wishing we had more of it.
The problem is energy zappers -- the drains on our bodies and minds that make us feel like we're running out of steam and like our health is in jeopardy. And, as if feeling like you're moving at half-speed isn't bad enough, that energy void is often telegraphed by your appearance: dull skin, under-eye circles, lifeless hair -- you get the picture. It's like wearing a giant sandwich board that says "Will Work for Pep."
Some of the biggest energy zappers in our day-to-day lives are obvious: job pressures, financial stress, relationship conflicts, poor eating habits, lack of sleep, and lack of exercise. Just listing them is exhausting.
But there are some surprising drains out there that may also be taking their toll on you and your health. To help figure out what they are (and what can be done to avoid them), we spoke with celebrity nutritionist Paula Simpson, which is a good thing because, as they say, knowledge is power and once you know what forces are working to wear you down, maybe you can do something to reclaim that lost energy.
And, P.S., if all else fails, we have a backup plan for you -- a few tips to at least help you look refreshed, revitalized and healthy -- even when you feel everything but.
