In the realm of Kosma, all journeys start with a sip of the magic drink. This secret of every Kosmik explorer carries the paradoxical power to soothe a troubled mind as well as energize a tired one. And while all of us have access to it, very few seem to make the most of it.
So here, as you embark on the adventure of Kosma, there can be no better start than the magic drink.
We are Water!
Our bodies are mostly water, accounting for 55%-75% of body composition, the highest being in babies and decreasing with age. Most of this water is held in our cells: with the brain at around 85%, lungs and heart around 75%, and so on. While the individual level and requirement of water can vary based on age, gender, location, and Body Mass Index (BMI), common wisdom is to consume 2-3 liters daily.
When was the last time you consciously tried to reach the 2-3 liter target per day? Maybe never and you still feel fine without trying. So, let us start here: why do we even need so much water? Well, it helps in several ways. Key ones are:
Lubricating joints
Regulating body temperature
Nourishing the brain and spinal cord
Regulating digestive system
Reducing the risk of stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer
Balance is the Key
It is all a game of balance. Studies from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) have established that while someone in a cold region might not need as much water as one in a hot region, it is the fluctuation in our water level that causes trouble. Lose enough water (above 2% of body mass) and you will find yourself in a range of problems like:
Dry eyes and mouth
Cognitive impairment
Headache
Increased risk of heart attack, and diabetes
Research shows that people who drank 5 - 6 glasses of water daily had a 60% reduction in the risk of a fatal heart attack compared to those who drank considerably less. Other studies show that the brains of dehydrated people had to work harder to perform the same task compared to when they were hydrated. Basically, water is good for you.
First Things First
While the journey of Kosma, and life in general, is a demanding one, drinking water is the simplest way to make it easier, scientifically. Even if you have been fine without drinking much water, or you consume too much soda or coffee as a replacement, just give pure water a try.
In case you are wondering, “How am I ever going to lose more than 2% of water?” Your body is constantly losing water, from urination and sweating to even breathing out as you read this. The effect is even more pronounced after you get up after 6-8 hours of sleep. So, there is no other option than refilling ourselves. And no, please do not try to reduce your sweating, urination, or breathing 😉
This effect of dehydration is most pronounced when we wake up after a long night’s sleep, as we constantly lose water in our breath and sweat while sleeping. So this week, let us take a step towards self-care by drinking 1-2 cups of water after waking up.