Hydration 101: The Benefits, Risks And Recommended Drinks
Our bodies become more susceptible to dehydration as we age. Understanding the importance of staying properly hydrated, learning how to recognize the signs of dehydration, and knowing the best drinks and foods to enjoy to boost your hydration will go a long way toward keeping you healthy and strong.
The Importance Of Hydration For Seniors
Hydration is important for everyone, but seniors need to pay particular attention because nearly 30% of seniors are chronically dehydrated. Hydration helps you digest your food, increases how many nutrients your body absorbs, makes your skin look healthier, and prevents constipation. It may even help to reduce the risk of falling since your brain needs optimal hydration for functions related to coordination and balance.
How To Tell If You're Hydrated
A great way to check is to look at the color of your urine. Pale yellow indicates that you're properly hydrated. In contrast, dark yellow or amber-colored urine means it's time to sip a glass of water!
How To Tell If You're Dehydrated
Symptoms of dehydration may include dry skin, intense thirst, headache, muscle cramps, fatigue, or confusion. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these, you should check in with your doctor. While hot summer temperatures are a common cause of dehydration, they can also be a symptom of an underlying health concern or a side effect of some of your medications.
The Health Risks of Dehydration
Dehydration can cause further health complications like kidney failure, constipation, urinary tract infections and other serious illnesses. Thankfully, there are easy ways to get hydrated and stay hydrated.
The Best Fluids To Stay Hydrated
Water is the best choice, but there are other options if you find plain water boring or not a very motivating beverage to keep you drinking fluids throughout the day! Coconut water has a nice, tropical flavor and is full of electrolytes and minerals. Sports drinks are another great option, so long as they aren't heavily sweetened. Finally, fruit juices, vegetable juices, herbal teas, and decaffeinated beverages keep you well-hydrated and provide the added benefits of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The Best Foods To Eat To Keep You Hydrated
Drinking fluids isn't the only way to stay hydrated. You can eat your hydration, too! Foods with high water content include citrus fruits, bananas, leafy greens, and cucumbers.
How To Remember To Drink More Fluids
It can be easy to forget to drink your water when life gets busy. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and sip on it throughout the day. If needed, set reminders for yourself in your calendar, or use an app or a recurring alarm that reminds you to drink more frequently.
Senior Helpers Fort Myers Offers Personalized In-Home Care
Senior Helpers Fort Myers is here for you, whether you need help grocery shopping for hydrating fluids and foods, or support with specialized needs like chronic disease care. Contact Senior Helpers Fort Myers today to learn more about our licensed and trained professional caregivers providing home care to seniors throughout Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Punta Gorda, Sanibel, and Captiva, FL.