HYDRATION : why is it important ?

Hydration

A basic yet essential component of preserving optimal wellness, especially as we age, is hydration. Numerous health benefits of being hydrated include improved cognition and reduced joint pain.Despite the belief that we should consume eight glasses of water per day, you should consult your doctor to determine your personal fluid needs.

An important and frequently disregarded aspect of sustaining excellent health is staying hydrated. As we become older, it becomes more and more important.  Dehydration is more common in those 60 and older for a variety of reasons, such as decreased natural thirst and changes in body composition. Additionally, older people are more likely to use diuretics and other drugs that dehydrate the body.

Why is it important?

It enhances mental performance.

Even mild dehydration—as little as a 2% fluid loss—can have a deleterious influence on memory, mood, focus, and reaction time. Including a couple extra glasses of water in your daily routine can improve cognition, balance emotions, and even lessen anxiety symptoms. This is crucial for older persons, who are more susceptible to dehydration and cognitive impairment.

Better Digestion

To properly digest food, your body requires water. If you don't get enough hydration, you can experience unpleasant conditions including heartburn, gas, abdominal pain, and GI disturbances that could reduce your quality of life. Drinking more fluids might get things rolling once more. It aids in the breakdown of soluble fiber from food, maintaining the health of your digestive system. When purchasing mineral water, look for products that have been enhanced with sodium and magnesium.

Lubricates the body’s joints

Did you know that a big portion of the cartilage in our joints is made of water? Maintaining healthy joint lubrication in your joints can aid in reducing friction by adding extra “cushion” between the bones. Joint pain decreases and joints move more readily when there is less friction.

Maintains thermoregulation / body temperature

Dehydration causes your body to retain more heat, according to research. You are less tolerant to heat as a result.  Drinking enough water can help you sweat when you get too hot while exercising, which contributes to cooling your body down. For the prevention of fatigue from heat and other potentially catastrophic heat-related illnesses, this natural cooling system is key.

Increases energy and enthusiasm

Dehydration can decrease circulation and change how much oxygen gets to your brain. If you don't drink enough fluids, your heart may have to work harder to pump oxygen throughout your body. All the energy used up can make you feel worn out, lethargic, and less focused. By just drinking more water, you may easily prevent dehydration and have more energy to go through the day.

Controlling or losing weight

Water can help you feel satisfied between meals rather than reaching for the snack jar since it gives you a sensation of fullness. Additionally, it may speed up your metabolism. A study of overweight people discovered that consuming more water before each meal significantly reduced their body weight and body mass index. Persons who increased their water intake by just 1% had lower calorie intake. In addition, they generally consumed less salt, sugar, cholesterol, and saturated fat.

keeps the kidneys functioning properly.

Kidney stones are mineral crystal clusters that form in the urinary tract. If you have ever experienced one, you are aware of how unpleasant they can be. By lowering the quantity of minerals in your urinary tract, drinking enough water each day will reduce your risk of developing stones. By clearing harmful bacteria from your bladder, water can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Maintains healthy heart

Water makes up the majority of your blood. It becomes concentrated when you don't drink enough glasses of water, which might lead to an imbalance of essential minerals (electrolytes). These minerals, particularly potassium and sodium, are essential for the healthy operation of your heart.

Helps in detoxification of toxins

Your body naturally detoxifies itself by removing waste and toxins through breathing, perspiration, urination, and bowel movements. Drinking enough water supports this process. Supporting your body's natural potent detoxification mechanisms can help improve your general health.

Helps in managing headache

Some people get headaches and migraines as a result of even a small fluid loss in the brain, which causes the brain to flex away from the skull. Drinking a lot of water on a regular basis may help with headache management.

Water intake guide

Hydration is the key. It's simple to prevent dehydration by increasing your intake of water and foods high in water.An easy thing to remember and a good overall goal is to drink eight glasses every day. You can also calculate how much fluid you need by taking one-third of your body weight and multiplying it by eight ounces. Aim to consume 50 ounces of water every day if you weigh 150 pounds.

You may need to increase your water intake in some circumstances in order to stay properly hydrated. Exercise and physical activity, hot and/or muggy conditions, and episodes of vomiting or diarrhea are some of these.Depending on factors including medical history, current health issues, and drugs being taken, each person has distinct hydration needs. Consult your doctor to develop a customised hydration strategy that fits your particular requirements.