Hydration and Immunity
The immune system is a complex, intricate network comprised of specialized organs, cells, and biochemicals that work together to protect your body from infection and disease. (But you probably already knew that.) What you might not know is just how important proper hydration and nutrition are to keeping that machine running smoothly.
Even now, scientists are still unraveling the mysteries about how the immune system communicates and collaborates to keep us healthy. Read on to find out how your hydration levels affect your immune system, how many fluids you should drink for optimal immunity, and how BrightFox strengthens your immune system through an innovative combination of water, essential nutrients, and natural flavors.
How do my hydration levels affect my immune system?
Prevents infection. Your liver and kidneys do an amazing job of processing toxins, bacteria, and free radicals before flushing them out of the body. Free radicals in particular cause direct damage to your cells and contribute to signs of aging, including wrinkles and gray hair. Water is a key part of removing those harmful substances from your system and preventing the buildup of toxins that could make you sick.
Keeps organs and cells functioning. Your cells rely on water to move throughout your body and execute the complex tasks they’re designed to perform. Water also delivers oxygen to the cells, allowing them to perform at maximum efficiency.
Assists in digestion. As we already mentioned, your immune system needs more than just water to run. Your body’s digestive system processes nutrients from the foods and beverages you consume. Water lubricates the digestive organs and assists in breaking down foods and increasing nutrient absorption.
All these benefits add up to reduce your overall risk of developing life-threatening illnesses, such as stroke, heart disease, and blood clots. It also prevents milder diseases, like urinary tract infection and exercise-related asthma.
How much water should I drink daily for immunity?
You’re probably familiar with the general consensus that drinking eight glasses of water per day (which equates to two liters) is best to keep your body functioning. Other sources say four to six cups are ideal. You might be surprised to learn that the amount of fluids you actually need is highly individual and varies based on an array of factors.
Men and women have different hydration needs, as do infants, children, adolescents, and adults. Athletes, pregnant women, and people with kidney or liver conditions also have higher intake needs than the average person. Conversely, people with conditions that make them retain water might need less.
However, some people don’t like the taste of plain water (or lack thereof), which is one reason why flavored waters and sports drinks are so popular in the U.S. There’s just one problem: many of those drinks contain high amounts of added sugars and artificial sweeteners. Drinking too much could cause your blood sugar to spike, causing dehydration — resulting in the exact opposite effect you want.
Is there any way you can replenish your fluid levels without sacrificing great taste? We’re glad you asked.
How can I optimize hydration for immunity?
Plain water goes a long way toward keeping you healthy. But your body’s immune system also relies on an array of other nutrients to stay in good shape, and studies show that many Americans don’t get enough of them in their diets. A few of these nutrients include zinc, choline, and B-complex vitamins like B5 and B6.
Zinc is a key player in the production of white blood cells, which fend off infection. Inadequate zinc intake is directly linked to a weakened immune response, which can contribute to life-threatening illnesses like heart disease and cancer. With 0.2 mg of immune-boosting zinc in every can, BrightFox provides a healthy, hydrating portion of your daily zinc intake requirements.
Choline is critical for good health, protecting the liver from disease and ensuring it functions properly. This nutrient also aids in the transmission of messages between cells, which helps regulate your heartbeat and prevent high blood pressure and the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Every serving of BrightFox includes 3.3 mg of choline to help fortify your immune system and even improve your mood and focus.
B-complex vitamins boast a wide variety of health benefits, from transporting oxygen throughout your bloodstream to optimizing organ function. Vitamin B6 in particular helps prevent heart disease. B6 deficiency is also linked to a weak immune system. Top up your B6 intake with BrightFox — each can provides 1.7 mg of vitamin B5 and 0.6 mg of vitamin B6. Available in three crisp, refreshing, naturally derived flavors, BrightFox is a delicious, nutritious way to boost your fluid levels.
Plain water doesn’t contain any of those essential minerals, but BrightFox does — without all the added sugar, sweeteners, and artificial ingredients found in other popular vitamin waters. Hydrate the smart way with your favorite BrightFox flavor to supercharge your morning routine, kick your workout up a notch, or keep the party going all night long.
Hydration and immunity: the bottom line
Water ensures the survival of most living beings on the planet. It powers just about every biological process in the body, from transporting oxygen throughout the bloodstream to facilitating optimal organ function. It even promotes weight loss and staves off signs of aging, helping you look and feel your best. For your immune system to operate at maximum capacity, staying hydrated is essential. Remember, if you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated, so make the effort to replenish your fluids throughout the day.
Don’t like the taste of plain water, or looking for a sugar-free (and sweetener-free!) alternative packed with nutrients? Try BrightFox, the intelligent, eco-friendly way to hydrate. Studies show we don’t always receive the amount of vitamins and minerals we need from our diets. Not only does BrightFox contain a healthy dose of those nutrients, but it’s also packed with three times the electrolytes of sugary sports drinks. Electrolytes are essential for regulating your fluid levels to help you retain fluid and keeps you hydrated for longer.
