Everyone knows that it is extremely important to drink enough water every day – more specifically, a guideline of eight glasses. In fact, water can be more important than food considering that most people will be able to survive longer without adequate nutrition than without water.
Despite this, many people still do not drink enough to get the hydration that they need. One of the more frequent diagnoses for hospital admissions is dehydration, which is the state where you lose more fluid than you hydrate yourself in. Without this water, your body will start to lose its ability to function and perform essential functions to survive. In severe cases of dehydration, it can even be life-threatening.
For most of us, dehydration is easily preventable. Even though the guideline is eight glasses per day, the amount will vary according to weight, level of activity, your individual physical needs, as well as the climate that you are in. To help you and your loved ones stay well hydrated, we have compiled a list of tips that will help you take in sufficient water!
Medication
Medical treatments or medicine can easily cause you to require much more water than you usually need. Examples of such medication include laxatives, stool softeners, and any other kind of diuretic medication. Blood pressure medication in particular can require people who take them to drink much more water to maintain optimal hydration levels.
If you are starting to feel dehydrated often even despite drinking large amounts of water, either check the information sheets included with your medication or contact your doctor or medical provider for more information. Not only will they be able to advise you on the underlying treatments or medications that are causing your dehydration, but they may also prescribe hydration tablets or other forms of supplements to help you keep hydrated.
Eat More Foods That Are Rich in Fluid
Beverages aren’t the only thing that contains tons of fluid. Pure water will always be the best source of hydration, but there are alternatives to easing the process of staying hydrated. Fruits, vegetables, and soups are also great ways for you to intake more water without having to chug down many glasses of water. In fact, even ice pops are a source of fluid!
Reduce Foods That Are Dehydrating
Just as there are foods that are high in hydration value, there are also foods and beverages that cause you to lose excessive fluids. Some examples are coffee, alcohol, tea, and other caffeinated drinks. This is because these drinks can have a diuretic effect which prompts you to have the increased need to pass urine, preventing your body from fully absorbing the hydration it needs.
Have Water Available Around You Throughout the Day
It is hard for anyone to chug down glass after glass of water in one sitting. The best way to remain hydrated is to have a pitcher or bottle of water that is readily available wherever you are. By making water accessible and visible to you and your loved ones wherever you are, there is a greater tendency to remember and drink more water.
Sometimes, frequent dehydration can also be due to memory issues or the inability to carry out certain essential day-to-day activities. At times like this, it might be time to consider a senior living community where you or your loved one can have greater access to assistance and support from trained staff members. There are different senior living options to cater to different levels of need. To find out more, contact us today.