Avoid These 5 Common Foods That Dehydrate You
Did you know the human body is composed of around 60% water? This means that your body cannot function without! It is very important to stay hydrated, especially now during the summer heat. We naturally lose water throughout the day. Of course the amount of fluid loss depends on the level of physical activity you do, the temperature and humidity of the environment, if you are sick, and what you eat and drink. Just like there are certain foods that can help keep you hydrated, there are others that do the exact opposite. It is essential to know which common foods and drinks cause dehydration. This way you can avoid them on days that are particularly warm, you will be moving around a lot, or you are not going to be getting enough water. So, here are some common foods that dehydrate you without you even knowing.
Did you know the human body is composed of around 60% water?
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Foods That Dehydrate You
Lack of water intake isn’t the only reason you may be feeling dehydrated. Our daily diet plays a huge role in making sure our cells are not depleted from water and unable to function as they should. So, if you eat certain foods and drinks in large quantities on the daily you may be chronically dehydrated. Chronic dehydration can cause a variety of issues, such as chronic pains, migraines, anxiety, a hard time concentrating, brain fog, and it also stumps your immune system. Here as some foods it’s best to avoid consuming excessively in order to avoid dehydration.
Our daily diet plays a huge role in making sure our cells are not depleted from water
#Asparagus
Asparagus is a wonderful addition to your diet. It is rich in minerals, vitamins, and folic acid. This green veggie also contains an amino acid, better known as asparagine. This acid has a diuretic effect. So, eating excessive amounts of asparagus won’t only alter the smell of your urine, it will also suck out all the water from your cells. Of course, eating asparagus in healthy amounts alongside a balanced diet won’t cause dehydration. However, if you’re feeling sick, moving a lot, sweating because of the weather, it’s best not to fill up your plate with only asparagus. Some other veggies that can also have diuretic properties are celery, artichokes, and parsley. So, avoid eating them in large quantities, as well.
Eating excessive amounts of asparagus will suck out all the water from your cells
#Salty foods
In order for your body to eliminate any extra sodium it needs plenty of water. Foods that are high in salt, like soy sauce, popcorn, fried foods, chips, fast food, and more should be eaten in the daily recommended amounts. Over eating on such foods can easily lead to water loss as your body will be using all its water stocks to try to flush out the salt. So, you will be dehydrated in no time. While sodium is an essential electrolyte for the body, this is only true when it is not in excess. Too much salt disrupts the balance in your body and will cause you to retain more fluids in the body. However, keeping fluids in the body does not mean you are hydrated.
Avoid foods that are high in salt, like soy sauce, popcorn, fried foods, and chips
#High-protein diets
High-protein diets are all the rage on social media nowadays, as well as in fitness communities. And while eating plenty of protein is great for your overall health and helps you keeps your metabolism going, too much of it can cause issues. Consuming large amounts of this macronutrient has a dehydrating effect on the body. But why? Well, protein breaks down into nitrogen. Nitrogen requites more water in order to metabolize it when compared with most other nutrients. So, the more protein you eat, the more water it uses up to break down, leaving you dehydrated. A high-protein diet can also be taxing on the kidneys, as they try to remove as much excess nitrogen as possible, which also leads to dehydration.
Consuming large amounts of protein has a dehydrating effect on the body
#Sugary foods
Too much of anything is not good for the body, sugar included. The reason sugary foods lead to dehydration is similar to what happens with too much protein and salt. When there is way too much sugar in our bloodstreams the process of osmosis occurs. The excess sugar causes water to be drawn from our cells in order to balance out the sugar levels, thus dehydrating you. And the more sugar you eat the more water is taken. That’s why it is best to eat such foods in moderate amounts.
Too much of anything is not good for the body, sugar included
#Coffee
Well, coffee is technically a drink, but it still dehydrates you. Coffee, as well as caffeinated teas, have a diuretic effect. You may have notices you feel the need to go to the bathroom more after drinking your daily cup of joe, which is what leads to dehydration over time. However, this is true only if you consume around 500 milligrams of caffeine a day, which is equal to 5 cups a day. But it’s best to up your water intake if you drink more than two cups a day to avoid getting dehydrated.
Coffee, as well as caffeinated teas, have a diuretic effect
These are some foods that dehydrate you that you should try to stay away from. We hope you found this article useful. Now you know to not consume these foods in big quantities or to avoid them as a whole during moments where you may already get dehydrated.
These are some foods that dehydrate you that you should try to stay away from
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