Stay Hydrated
FYI: some medical conditions restrict fluid intake. Check with your medical provider first
Otherwise…
Water is often called the elixir of life for good reason.
Our bodies are composed of about 60% water, and every single cell, tissue, and organ requires water to function correctly.
Despite its significance, many people don’t drink enough water daily.
Here’s some inspiration that could help you and your loved-ones
Key
Benefits
1. Maintains Physical Performance
Whether you’re a professional athlete or caregiver;) staying hydrated is important for physical performance. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, malaise, and altered body temperature control. Even mild dehydration can impact you, making it harder to complete those must-do daily activities.
2. Supports Cognitive Function
Did you know that dehydration can affect your brain function? Studies show that even slight dehydration can impair mood, memory, and brain performance. Water helps by accessing nutrients and oxygen to the brain. Staying hydrated helps keep you sharp, focused, and mentally alert.
For our elderly: Dehydration can have a significant impact. It can lead to confusion, dizziness, and symptoms that mimic dementia, such as disorientation and impaired memory.
3. Promotes Cardiovascular Health
Your heart and circulation depends on it. Dehydration can lower blood volume, making the heart work harder to pump blood and deliver oxygen to your cells. Strained heart in hot weather or during physical exertion; not a good mix. Actually, a detrimental one.
4. Aids Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
by helping to break down food and absorb nutrients more efficiently. It also prevents constipation (common issue for our elderly) by keeping stool soft and moving. Routine waste elimination from multiple systems is essential for our well-being. More below.
5. Regulates Body Temperature
When you’re hot, your body sweats to cool down, and that sweat is primarily made of water. If you’re dehydrated, your body can’t cool itself as effectively, leading to overheating, especially in hot climates or during physical activity. For this and other reasons our elderly may have a lower tolerance; so we have to be mindful when they’re exposed to these conditions.
6. Promotes Healthy Skin
For vanity? Whatever works? Your skin is the largest organ in your body and it requires proper hydration to stay healthy. Dehydration can make your skin look dry, tight, and flaky. Over time, leading to more noticeable wrinkles. Drinking enough water helps keep your skin supple, clear, and vibrant. Personal experience, this is real!
For our elderly: As we age, our skin becomes thinner and less elastic, making it more prone to dryness and injuries like cuts or bruises. Proper hydration helps build resilience.
7. Flushes Out Toxins
Water is part of our natural detoxification processes. Water flushes toxins from the kidneys, which filter waste from your blood. This can help reduce the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs are so common among our elderly).
Water impacts elimination and detox on multiple levels: bowel, kidney skin… It helps take the waste (garbage) out for optimal body function, mentally and physically. We need all the help we can get.
8. Supports Weight Management
Again, if vanity is your motivator, here’s a good one. Water can be a helpful ally. Drinking water before meals can help reduce appetite, making you feel fuller and potentially leading to fewer calories consumed. Additionally, water slightly boosts metabolism, aiding in weight loss efforts.
I know. Easier said than done…
Here’s a few tips
Carry a reusable water bottle: Having water readily available encourages you to drink more throughout the day.
Offer elderly loved-ones water regularly: Encourage frequent sips of water throughout the day, even if they don’t feel thirsty. As we age, our sense of thirst diminishes, meaning we may not feel as thirsty as we once did, even when our bodies need water.
Eat water-rich foods: Incorporate fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges, which have high water content. A few hydrating recipes are below.
Set reminders: Use a phone app or set alarms to remind yourself to drink water regularly, especially if you’re busy or tend to forget.
Start your day with water: Begin your morning with a glass of water to kickstart your hydration for the day. I like this one. I look at it as washing the inside (after nighttime detox) like we shower the outside.
Pay attention to your body: Listen to your body’s thirst signals and drink when you’re thirsty. If you’re active or it’s hot, increase your water intake. Part of my Functional Nutrition practice is reconnecting with your body and listening for cues; it’s always communicating with us.
When you look at the big picture, water is an easy preventive measure or fix for some pretty relevant functions.
When you think about it, it’s totally worth the efforts.
Important Consideration
Clarify reason why your elderly loved-one may not be drinking enough fluids
They may be concerned about getting to the bathroom in time, due to:
Impaired mobility (fall risk). Possible solutions: urinals for men, commode nearby…
Incontinence (may not make it in time and have to clean up an accident). Possible solutions: routine visits to void (empty the bladder), even when they don’t have to go
Weigh risks vs benefits. Every situation is different and plans should be tailored around that.
Lets make it a little interesting
Here’s s few recipes to encourage adequate hydration for you & them
Yummy Hydration
Enjoy!