WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2021 HYDRATION

 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2021 HYDRATION

I seem to be on a health focus this week.  So, how about hydration?  Short answer - yes, it is good for you!!! <grin>  You don’t have to read any more!!!

HYDRATION!!!

“The importance of hydration Drinking enough water each day is crucial for many reasons: to regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. Being well-hydrated also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood.

“Experts recommend drinking roughly 11 cups of water per day for the average woman and 16 for men. And not all of those cups have to come from plain water; for example, some can come from water flavored with fruit or vegetables (lemons, berries, or orange or cucumber slices), or from coffee or tea.”   When consumed in moderation and with no additions, coffee can keep you as hydrated as water. “The research is mounting as to the benefits of coffee. Coffee drinkers: Raise your mug and drink on!”   (But, avoid cream and sugar which can add fat and sugar to your body)

But it’s best to stay away from sugar-sweetened beverages when trying to stay hydrated.  Even energy drinks and vitamin waters, most are loaded with sugar and not worth the use.”

(The importance of hydration | News | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health)

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I’m using a source today - 10 Dehydration Myths and Facts | Everyday Health

1. Being thirsty is not necessarily a sign of dehydration.  Maybe you ate some spicy food or have a reaction to a medication.  Diabetics can have a dry mouth and not be dehydrated.  But, if you are thirsty, drink something!!!!

2. One of the standard signs of dehydration is darker urine.  The darker the urine, the more you need to drink something.  

3. Some people overdo it.  Maybe they remember some dehydration issues in the past and thus drink an excess of water (or appropriate liquids).  

Quoting from the article:

““There's a condition called hyponatremia, and it happens when the concentration of sodium in your body gets too low, this actually causes the cells in your body to swell, and it is a life-threatening condition.”  (Hmmm - too much of a good thing)

4. Some groups can get dehydrated easier.  

““Dehydration is very dangerous for children, pregnant women, and some older adults.  Especially if someone in these categories is sick with a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, they may need medical attention”.

5. You can hydrate with something other than water.  Yes, watermelon is a good hydration source - as is spinach - both of which are high in water content.  Yes, drink your liquids - but cucumbers, grapefruit, strawberries, celery, and others are good sources as well.  Note - what do you think V8 is made up of?  It is a liquid drink made from eight vegetables!!!

6.  Get a good night of sleep to stay hydrated.  Hold - it!!  So sleeping can hydrate me?

The article says, “people who slept six hours each night were more dehydrated than those who regularly slept eight. A potential reason? Scientists point to the disruption of vasopressin, a hormone released at night that helps your body maintain its hydration status. If you feel off after a short night of sleep, rehydrate in the morning.”  Probably good to rehydrate well in that first hour of being awake!!!

7. Once upon a time, the recommendation was for eight cups of water a day.  The article suggests, “The most recent guidelines from the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, in 2006, recommend 15 cups of fluid for men and about 11 cups of fluid for women daily.”  Hmmm - I drink a lot of weak, unsweet ice tea in the summer- that seems to help.  I generally have at least four large containers of iced tea in my refrigerator.  And, I’ve been experimenting with two of those containers with decaffeinated tea - including herbal teas - which I drink in the evening.

8. Health issues (including COVID) may cause dehydration.  If you are losing fluids - from diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating, make sure you are getting your liquids (or watermelon!!)

9. Severe dehydration may need more than just water.  Really bad dehydration may need an IV (Intravenous).  You might also need (or want) drinks with electrolytes like Pedialyte.

10. You might be thinking you are thirsty when you are really hungry!!!

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We are complex beings.  Keeping everything in balance is important.

Psalm 139:13-14 says, “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.”

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LOVE WINS - and LOVE implies self-love and taking care of your body through enough fiber, hydration, sleep, good nutrition, and self-care!!

Karen