Hydrating is simply drinking water. Water is essential to all your bodily functions. Water is required for all of your cells, tissues, and organs in your body. It is recommended that individuals drink 6-8 glasses of water daily.
There are many beverages you can drink to stay hydrated, but they are not all alike. Beverages like coffee or beer tend to dehydrate us more quickly rather than keep us hydrated. If you are drinking these beverages ensure you are supplementing water. Remaining hydrated does not have to be so boring since there are many foods and fruits that contain large amounts of water. Watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, tomatoes, and cantaloupe all contain large amounts of water. Other options include lettuce, milk, yogurt, and soup.
The benefits of remaining hydrated include maintaining body functions, improving brain functions, reducing risk of kidney stones, aiding digestion, promoting weight management, improving mood, supporting joint health, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Some activities, foods, drinks, and symptoms can dehydrate us so we have to be extra careful. For example eating salty foods, drinking sugary drinks, or diuretic foods can cause you to become dehydrated. Taking certain medications can cause dehydration so ensure you are reading the warning labels. Finally, activities like running and other strenuous activities can cause sweating and dehydration.
What are symptoms of dehydration? Symptoms of mild dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, reduced urine output, dark-colored urine, fatigue, headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Symptoms of moderate dehydration include sunken eyes, muscle cramps, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and low blood pressure. Severe dehydration includes extreme thirst, seizures, coma, and organ failure. When experiencing severe dehydration visit your emergency room to receive treatment. As we age our bodies retain less water and we become more prone to dehydration. So take extra care when experiencing these symptoms and ensure you are drinking your 6-8 glasses daily.
A good tip is to have water bottles and water mugs filled with a beverage and by your side to remind you of your water intake amount. You can also stock up by buying packs of 12 or 24 water bottles. Don't forget to ensure you are drinking with meals by making it a standard to drink a glass during your meals. Let someone know if you're having trouble staying hydrated.
A caregiver can help older adults stay healthy, active, comfortable, and hydrated. Need someone to help remind you to remain hydrated as you age? Caregivers can remind you to drink 6-8 glasses of water, keep you hydrated, and call 911 when it's needed. Get in touch with a care coordinator by clicking on this link to complete a care plan form. Call 216-678-4076 if you have any questions or would like more information on our services.