Drinking water is a crucial—and frequently disregarded—aspect of maintaining good health. Due to various factors, including a natural decrease in thirst levels and changes in body composition, those 60 and older are more likely to become dehydrated.
With any habit you inculcate to improve your lifestyle, you must undertake some research to ensure you’re doing it right. Here are a few water facts recommended by doctors to help you understand this vital compound better.
1 Eight Glasses of Water A Day is not a Hard and Fast Rule
One size never fits all – and this is true of the amount of water you need as well. The amount of mineral water each individual needs depends on age, activity level, diet, health, and any drugs they take. It also depends on where you live because hot, humid climates often require more water consumption.
In general, you should drink as many ounces as possible of liquids per third of your body weight daily. For illustration, aim to consume 50 oz of healthy water for 150 pounds of body weight.
Consult your doctor to decide a suitable daily fluid intake target for you. You can discuss your medical history and any current over-the-counter or prescription medications you’re taking with them.
Laxatives, diuretics, chemotherapeutic treatments, and oral type 2 diabetes meds are just a few situations that can make you more likely to get dehydrated.
2 Even if You Do Not Feel Thirsty, You Need Hydration
Thirst and hydration are not necessarily related. Examining the colour of your urine is a better approach to determining if you’re getting enough fluids. You are probably well-hydrated if it is clear and pale in hue. You can be dehydrated if it is darker or has brown undertones.
Additionally, the volume of your urine becomes an even more accurate sign of hydration. In some cases, vitamin supplements and a protein-heavy diet can alter the colour of your urine.
3 You CAN Drink Too Much Water
Drinking more water than your body needs can ironically lead to dehydration. Hyponatremia, commonly referred to as water toxicity, is a condition where the body’s salt levels are dangerously low.
Numerous medical symptoms, including confusion, nausea, headaches, convulsions, and in extreme circumstances, even death, can be brought on by hyponatremia.
4 Sports Drinks are Not Better Than Water to Rehydrate After Workout
Electrolyte-enhanced sports drinks are advertised on television as the most excellent method to recharge your body after exercise.
However, these popular drinks frequently have harmful components. Hydrogenated oils are among these and can be bad for the thyroid gland. In addition to having high levels of sugar, many sports drinks also include high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which can induce sharp increases in blood sugar.
These fortified beverages will help you replace the fluid and electrolytes your body loses via high sweat if you work out for an extended period (60 minutes or more). Make sure you thoroughly read nutrition labels. Choose items without artificial additives and opt for low-sugar options if you have diabetes.
Water is the finest recovery aid for shorter activity sessions. Try drinking water flavoured with fresh lemons, watermelons, mint leaves, cucumbers, or berries if you are tired of drinking plain water.
5 Drinking Liquids Is Not the Only Way to Stay Hydrated
There are other ways to provide your body the nutrition it requires besides making it a habit to drink water. Meals with a high-water content are how you get roughly 20% of your fluid intake. Strawberries, grapefruit, cucumbers, celery, spinach, and watermelon are a few water–heavy food items.
Another practical (and delicious) approach to increasing your fluid consumption is through soups, broths, and stews, especially during winter. If you’re trying to limit your salt intake, be sure to purchase low-sodium options.
Foods heavy in salt and sodium, such as potato chips and pre-prepared meals, can cause the body to pull water from its cells, leading to dehydration. For people between the ages of 51 and 70, the Food and Nutrition Board advises a daily sodium limit of 1,300 milligrams, and for people over 70, a limit of 1,200 mg.
How Can Water Purifiers Help You Staying Hydrated?
Water is necessary for life, and maintaining hydration through healthy water is essential for a healthy body. If we don’t drink enough mineral water, our bodies can stop functioning correctly, putting our health at risk.
We rarely consider the immediate and indirect effects that the water we consume has on our health. Drinking water straight from the tap could be unhealthy for you as it includes chemicals, including pesticides, arsenic, chlorine, and prescription drugs.
Using a water filter is the quickest and most efficient way to ensure you drink clean, healthful, and safe water, according to doctors. Exposure to several pollutants that may harm your health reduces by eliminating impurities from your water.
The Takeaway
Keeping in mind the aforementioned water facts, determine if you need to increase your drinking water consumption or feel confident that you are getting enough.
By removing toxic chemicals and hazardous carcinogens from your tap water, water purification is an easy and efficient approach to support your health. For instance, a high-quality water filter will filter out toxins from your water without removing vital minerals necessary for optimum health. You can install most of the best water purifiers in minutes, and they are simple to use. Make sure to replace the filter as required and clean the system as per the instructions mentioned in the manufacturer’s guide.
If you are considering buying an RO water purifier, choose India’s best water purifier from Livpure. A Livpure water filter for home can help you and your family drink more healthy water and lead healthier lives.
