Benefits of Staying Hydrated
It’s well-known that we should all be drinking more water. But how much water, and why?
Water is the best way to maintain your body on a regular basis. Water helps carry nutrients around your body, including your cells, organs, and stimulate the digestive system. Without water, your body’s waste management would falter and lead to health problems down the road.
Many people aren’t drinking enough water, especially in hot weather. You risk dehydration if you aren’t drinking enough water to meet your body. The amount you drink can vary for many reasons, including age, weather, and activity (whether you are exercising or sitting for 8 hours, for example). Old people don’t sense thirst as much as younger people, leading to more cases of dehydration for people reaching a certain stage in their lives.
The rule of thumb is simple: if you feel thirsty, you’re already in the early stages of dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids regularly throughout the day to ward off thirst, at least 30 to 50 ounces (1 to 1.5 liters). Don’t drink it all in one go, since your kidneys aren’t able to process all of the water at once.
Water isn’t the only way to stay hydrated. Fresh juice, fruits, salad, and vegetables are good ways to absorb fluids. Tea and coffee also count as hydrating fluids, but water is still recommended as the best and healthiest way to go.
Learn more about how we can help maintain your wellness no matter your age at Simpson Medical.