When
Margaret was admitted into the hospital her diagnosis was dehydration. A hospital stay for dehydration? How could that be? Something so simple to
address and yet Margaret was having to endure a hospital visit.
All of us
understand that water is essential for the function of the body, but did you
know that the percentage of water in the body decreases as we age? This natural part of aging has a dramatic
effect on our health. Every part of our
body uses water for optimal function – even our adult brain is made up of 73%
water!
When you feel
the sensation of thirst your body is already
slightly dehydrated. The challenge with
seniors is this sense of thirst is diminished.
They may not feel thirst, and therefore are at greater risk of
dehydration.
So, why is this important? Like
any machine – the body works with proper
maintenance. Lack of fluid intake can
show up as:
- thirst
- dry mouth
- muscle weakness
- headache
- sleepiness and/or fatigue
- confusion
- loss of appetite
- constipation and/or intestinal discomfort
- urine that is dark in color.
We need to
learn to read the possible signs and take action. Even though some of these signs may not appear like typical thirst indicators, paying close attention to these triggers could
prevent a more serious health issue.
So how much
water does the body need? The average
sedentary adult in a temperate climate needs on average 1.5 liters of water per
day, or about six - eight oz. glasses. Eating more fruits and vegetables can also
be a good source of water, adding more whole grain fiber
to your diet allows the body to retain more water.
So, here’s
your action step – add this schedule of water intake to each day.
- Morning (upon waking) - 8 oz.
- Mid-morning break- 8 oz.
- Lunch time- 8 oz.
- Mid-afternoon break- 8oz.
- Dinner – 8 oz.
- Before bed – 8 oz.
TIP: zero-calorie flavorings can make daily water intake more enjoyable.
If you are a
caregiver or family member, make sure your loved ones are getting the
water they need to keep their body working effectively. The signs can be confusing so pay attention! The good news? It’s FREE and CLEAR – water keeps you
healthy!
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