Diet Soda Drinkers: Are You Dehydrated?

By Kim Beardsmore

Some people trying to control their weight, drink bottles of diet sodas each day. Often these beverages contain caffeine, which is a diuretic causing the body to excrete water. In fact the net result is often dehydration. So if you are a 'heavy diet-soda' drinker (which contains caffeine), and you recognise these symptoms, you may be able to improve your health by simply drinking 6 to 8 glasses of pure, fresh water a day!

1. The most common symptom is headaches. A major function of water is to flush toxins from the body. Your brain is 75% water, so even being slightly dehydrated can cause headaches.

2. Poor concentration/fatigue. If you body can't get rid of the toxins it will struggle and you will feel less energetic as your body diverts energy to deal with the toxins.

3. Constipation. Your body will divert water to more essential functions and as a result your stools will be harder and more difficult to expel.

4. Reduced urine output or dark urine. Did you know that up to 200 litres of water is passed through your kidneys daily? Without a fresh supply of water for the kidneys to filter waste products out of the blood, your urine will become darker.

5. Furry tongue or bad breath. If you don't have enough water passing through the mouth to wash away food particles, bacteria can proliferate and result in that 'furry' feeling or bad breath.

6. Skin. Your skin should feel elastic. When you pinch the skin on the back of your hand it should snap back instantly.

About the Author:

Kim Beardsmore M.B.A. (H.R.M.), B.Sc. (Biochemistry) is an independent Herbalife distributor, weight loss coach and creator of the online health & fitness magazine Weight Loss Health. For a free weight loss consultation, newsletter and resources to help you lose weight and keep it off forever, visit weight-loss-health.com.au Visit the Herbalife store at weightlosshealth.herbalcoach.com Herbalife home business opportunity: free2liv.com.