Good hydration is important for staying healthy because the body is comprised mostly of water and proper balance between the electrolytes and water in our bodies really determines how well most of our systems function including nerves and muscles. Drinking fluids serves a range of purposes in our bodies, such as removing waste through; controlling body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure; and maintaining a healthy metabolism.

Some people underestimate the importance of their water intake and wind up suffering from chronic, low-grade dehydration. This low-grade dehydration can affect your energy, digestion, regularity, blood pressure, respiration, weight management, skin health, cholesterol, joint health, kidney and urinary health. Staying adequately hydrated is an essential part of taking care of your body.

Hydration Tips

Start each day with a glass of water without ice before you have coffee, tea or juice. It will help you replace fluids lost overnight. Also fill water bottle to take with you if you go out and refill during the day as needed.
Eat two or three servings of fruits and vegetables at each meal. They are brimming with water and include minerals that help your body absorb and use it properly. Processed foods such as sugar, flours, salty snacks and processed meats, lower the body's water table. Eating lots of meat puts pressure on kidneys and tends to increase your body's need for water.
Establish regular water breaks, if possible. For instance, drink extra water if you didn't squeeze enough fruits and vegetables into your day.
Substitute sparkling water and low-sodium vegetable juice for soda and fruit juice. The sugar in regular soda and fruit juice, as well as the chemicals in diet versions, can trigger a host of unwanted reactions in the body including blood-sugar spikes.

Information from This Information is from Adult day Services at Landis Homes, June 2012.