Drink up

I thought I would give people a reminder about the importance of remaining hydrated as every now and then, unfortunately, I myself, see and hear the downside of not being hydrated enough.

Many will think what’s the big deal? You get thirsty and you drink right?! Well actually no, that is not really the case. In reality, many people have already reached dehydration point by the time they start to feel thirsty.

If you are a mature senior, elderly, ill, physically active, in intense heat conditions, or have been drinking alcohol, then you need lots more water than you would do on an average day.

Increased perspiration from heat, activity and other means, all leads to the loss of water and the sodium and potassium the body needs. Which is why when one is ill, it is suggested to drink plenty of fluids in order to keep hydrated and keep the sodium and potassium. Many athletes often take sports drinks where the electrolytes will be replenished on vigorous training.

To make sure you are properly hydrated, you should take sips or drink regular amounts of water approximately every twenty minutes. It is said that eight servings or glasses of water daily is the rough guide, this is about 2 litres. If you fill a large bottle of water and drink it throughout the day, it should be the recommended minimum guide. Take into consideration that caffeine like that in coffee, works as a diuretic and you will be more dehydrated than if you choose to drink other forms of fluids, say types of teas.

So what’s the problem if you get dehydrated. Well these are just some of the problems that can occur.

Symptoms of being dehydrated can include a dry mouth, tired, extreme fatigue and weakness. As it progresses, it can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, cramps and fever.

When the body’s temperature stays elevated above 103 degrees for a long period, heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke, which is then life threatening. If one feels any such symptoms of extreme heat or dehydration, you should simply drink some cool water or an electrolyte drink to try and cool the body temperature down. You can also use a cool water spray, a fan or alternative option, and remain the shade.

If working or exercising in hot weather and not drinking enough water, the body may not be able to produce the perspiration required to cool itself.

Dehydration can contribute to the formation of urinary tract infections. Kidney stones can form because the minerals involved will not dissolve. Those who are susceptible to them do not have other minerals that try to stop them. Being dehydrated can promote those stones. Kidney stones form less easily when you have enough water to prevent stone forming crystals from sticking together. Being dehydrated is when the volume of water in the body is depleted. When dehydrated, the kidneys that filter the waste tell the body to retain and hold onto the water. Therefore, less water in the urine makes the urine more concentrated which means extra work for the kidneys to function normally, putting pressure on the kidneys. Kidney infections or kidney stones can become serious when kidney failure follows.

It seems the number of people with kidney stones is going up rapidly, and it is recorded more so in women. Is it because peoples’ diets have changed, and new diet fads of high protein or long fasts without food, along with limited fluid restrictions in order to be slim, are the problem? No one can be certain on everything, but surely some thought and care in remaining hydrated with water is more important in real matters of health.

Other disadvantages of dehydration include causing the skin to become dry, taught and flaky. The skin will look less plumped and full. It can make the skin appear to be wrinkled, shrivelled and have the appearance of a mature and ageing skin rather than youthful.

So if you are  trying to look and feel good, you had better drink up! For those not so keen on plain water, add a little flavouring with some fresh fruit. Adding slices of orange or lemon may make it more enticing for those regular sips. In the summer, make ice cubes/pops in the same manner with different fruit and keep everyone hydrated and happy.

 

Love and Sparkles

Samsara x