Whether it’s through an article we’ve read, advice from a doctor, or from family members; we know that we should stay hydrated. This is particularly important during the summer months. But is staying hydrated really that necessary? Well, yes- actually it is. The human body can go longer without food than it can without water. That right there tells me that staying hydrated is important. And today, we’re going to talk about the importance of staying hydrated and why it really does matter.
I’ve never been one to always take my own advice. Even when it came to important things like getting enough water every day or at least making sure that I was monitoring my fluid intake. I’ve gotten better with this habit as I’ve gotten older and one of the reasons was from pregnancy and breastfeeding.
I really understood the importance of staying hydrated when trying to survive a summer pregnancy.
Even after I stop breastfeeding, I’ll continue on my quest for proper hydration for numerous health reasons. Did you know that there are numerous side effects due to dehydration?
Why is it important to stay hydrated?
Side Effects Associated With Mild to Moderate Dehydration
When water is not regularly consumed contaminants build up, which can cause illness or heath issues.
People may complain of such maladies as fatigue, digestive disturbances and headaches as well as pimples, dry skin or dry hair. However, these sorts of side effects are light when compared to dehydration that is more pronounced.
If you are suffering mild to moderate hydration, increase your fluid intake by consuming Powerade or Gatorade besides water. These sports drinks contain electrolytes that can replenish what dehydration has taken away.
Severe Side Effects
While thirst, tiredness, dry mouth, dry skin, constipation or lightheadedness may make up moderate symptoms, severe dehydration is noted by some of the following symptoms:
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shriveled inelastic skin
• Dry mouth and mucous membranes
• Extreme irritability
• Confusion
• Low blood pressure
• Little or no urination
• Sunken eyes
• Rapid breathing
• Fever
In such cases, banana bag IV therapy provides a safe and efficient means of replenishing fluids and vital nutrients in the body. The banana bag solution typically contains a balanced combination of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals that can help restore hydration, correct nutritional deficiencies, and support overall wellness. It is commonly used in medical settings, including emergency rooms, to address acute dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. If you are interested, you can learn more about banana bag IV therapy and consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate course,
Immediate medical care is advised if you are suffering extreme thirst or feel dizzy or confused. If an older adult or child cannot keep fluids down, is disoriented, or has diarrhea, fever or vomiting, either go the nearest emergency room or dial 911.
Foods That Lead To Dehydration
While vomiting and diarrhea are the main causes of dehydration in people suffering from the flu or other illness, certain everyday foods can lead to dehydration too.
Therefore, be on the alert if you are already mildly dehydrated for the following foods:
• French fries
• Cured meats
• Coffee (a natural diuretic)
• Soy Sauce
• Bouillon cubes
Any sugary drink can lead to dehydration too. So, even if you think you are replenishing your system with that sugary cola, you are probably doing more harm than good.
Make Sure You Are Getting Enough Water
In order to ensure you are getting enough water, also make it a practice to consume foods such as citrus, watermelon, tomatoes and cantaloupe. Vegetables that also help in the hydration process include celery, greens, and lettuce.
Drink it cold: When you drink something cold, the body has to work harder to warm the liquid up to body core temperature. The warming process burns additional calories over drinking tepid to lukewarm water – water that is closer to body core temperature.
Add lemon to it: Adding lemon to your water does a couple of things – 1) it makes your water taste better and 2) one lemon has up to 40 percent of your daily requirement of vitamin C and provides the replacement of the electrolytes potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium lost during an exercise workout. All with the addition of only 15 calories.
Put a day’s worth of water in a pitcher: It is easy to lose track of how much (or how little) water you drink in a day. An easy way is to fill a pitcher with 64 ounces of water, add the juice of one lemon and put it in the refrigerator. All three hacks accomplished at once. Periodically throughout the day get a glass of water from the pitcher. Make sure it is empty by the end of the day.
Do you drink enough water during the day? Be sure to follow Just Another Mom on Twitter for more health and wellness tips!
Kori
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