The Importance of Hydration

In order for our bodies to work properly, we need water. Water helps to maintain body temperature and remove waste. It helps to lubricate our joints, enabling them to move well. Different people need different amounts of water to stay hydrated. Water should be consumed daily. Plain water is best for hydration, but other drinks and foods can help, too. Fruit and vegetable juices, herbal teas and various milk products help to add to your daily water needs. Other sources of water include fruits (e.g., watermelon), vegetables (e.g., lettuce) and soup broths. While caffeinated drinks can hydrate, they may cause some people to urinate more often, releasing the fluid that we are trying to save up. It is also important to remember that other fluid choices like sugary sodas and juices may add extra calories to the diet. Sports drinks are helpful if the plan is to exercise at higher than normal levels. These drinks contain ingredients that increase energy and replace losses of chemicals eliminated through sweat. However, some sports drinks are high in calories, sugar, and sometimes salt or caffeine. Energy drinks usually contain large amounts of caffeine or other ingredients that can overstimulate you. Most of these drinks also contain large amounts of added sugar. They should also be avoided by children and teens.

Ways we lose water:

• Using the bathroom

• Sweating

• Breathing

We lose water even faster when the weather is very hot, or with physical activity, or with illness. Symptoms like fever, vomiting and diarrhea can cause additional rapid water loss. It is important to rehydrate often to avoid dehydration in those situations.

We become dehydrated when we don’t drink enough water. As we get older, our brains may not be able to sense dehydration as well or send “thirst” signals.

Here are some signs that tell you that you are dehydrated:

• Urine is darker than normal

• Little or no urine

• Dry mouth

• Fatigue

• Severe thirst

• Headache

• Confusion

• Dizziness

• No tears when crying

Here are some tips to stay hydrated:

• Keep a bottle of water with you during the day.

• Add a slice of lemon or lime or infuse your water with cucumber if you don’t like the taste of plain water.

• Drink water before, during and after a workout.

• If you are feeling hungry, drink water. Drinking water can help you feel full. Sometimes we think we are hungry, but we are actually thirsty. This can help with weight loss.

• Be creative! Use an app on your phone to remind you to drink water.

• Drink water when dining out. It’s free!

Our bodies depend on water for survival. Treat your body with care and hydrate it!

Reference: https://familydoctor.org/hydration-why-its-so-important/