I’m a water junkie. I
keep a very large bottle of water with me at all times. I credit water with
keeping me regular, keeping my skin young and healthy, giving me energy, and
keeping my digestive tract running like a fine tuned machine. Anyone who views
my daily tracker knows I drink lots of water. And so I dedicate this post to
the importance of maintaining adequate hydration at all times.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As
temperatures rise, getting enough to drink is important whether you’re playing
sports, traveling, sitting in the sun or just walking outside. Keeping your
body hydrated helps the heart pump blood through the blood vessels to the
muscles with greater ease. It also helps the muscles remove waste so that they
can work more efficiently.
“If
you’re well hydrated, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard,” said John
Batson, M.D, a sports medicine physician with Low Country Spine & Sport in
Hilton Head Island, S.C., and an American Heart Association volunteer. Dehydration
can be a serious condition that leads to problems such as swollen feet or
headaches to life-threatening illnesses such as heat stroke.
What does being well hydrated mean?
The amount of water a person needs depends on climatic conditions, clothing worn and activity level says Dr. Batson. A person who perspires heavily will need to drink more than someone who doesn’t. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, may also mean you need to drink more to avoid over-taxing the heart or other organs.
What does being well hydrated mean?
The amount of water a person needs depends on climatic conditions, clothing worn and activity level says Dr. Batson. A person who perspires heavily will need to drink more than someone who doesn’t. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, may also mean you need to drink more to avoid over-taxing the heart or other organs.
Thirst
isn’t the best indicator that you need to drink. “If you get
thirsty, you’re already dehydrated,” says Dr. Batson. The easiest thing to do
is pay attention to the color of your urine. If it’s pale and clear it means
you’re well hydrated. If it’s dark, then you need to drink more fluids.
Water is best
For most people, water is the best thing to drink to stay hydrated. Sources of water also include foods, such fruits and vegetables which contain a high percentage of water. Sports drinks with electrolytes may be useful for people doing high intensity exercise, though they tend to be high in calories. “It’s healthier to drink water while you’re exercising. Then when you’re done, eat a healthy snack like orange slices, bananas or a small handful of unsalted nuts.
For most people, water is the best thing to drink to stay hydrated. Sources of water also include foods, such fruits and vegetables which contain a high percentage of water. Sports drinks with electrolytes may be useful for people doing high intensity exercise, though they tend to be high in calories. “It’s healthier to drink water while you’re exercising. Then when you’re done, eat a healthy snack like orange slices, bananas or a small handful of unsalted nuts.
Not just for athletes or exercise.
Hydration isn’t just important during physical activity. Sitting in the sun can also cause your body to need more fluids. People, who have a heart condition, are older than 50 or overweight may also have to take extra precautions. It’s also a good thing to keep tabs on if you’re traveling. “You might sweat differently if you’re in a different climate,” Batson said.
Hydration isn’t just important during physical activity. Sitting in the sun can also cause your body to need more fluids. People, who have a heart condition, are older than 50 or overweight may also have to take extra precautions. It’s also a good thing to keep tabs on if you’re traveling. “You might sweat differently if you’re in a different climate,” Batson said.
Staying hydrated is crucial for
maintaining good health. So drink up and enjoy your summer.
STATS
|
|
Journey
Day:
|
96
|
Today's Calories:
|
1905
|
Daily Calorie Goal:
|
1800
|
Next
Weigh In:
|
5/7/14
|
Days
till Weigh-In:
|
19
|
Starting
Weight:
|
351
|
Current
Weight:
|
336
|
Lost
So Far:
|
15
|
| Daily Calorie Tracker | |
| Friday 4/17/14 | |
| Calories | |
| Breakfast | |
| Crunchy Raisin Bran | 285 |
| Skim Plus | 85 |
| Bowl Organic Mixed Greens | 0 |
| Total: | 370 |
| Hazelnut Coffee | 60 |
| Total: | 60 |
| Lunch | |
| Cosi Club on Multi Grain | 455 |
| 1oz Kettle Chips | 150 |
| Baby Carrots Fresh | 30 |
| Total: | 635 |
| Snacks | |
| 6 Dk Choclate PB Cups (sm) | 360 |
| Total: | 360 |
| Dinner | |
| Teriyaki Chicken wrap w/onions, | 420 |
| peppers, mushrooms | |
| Bowl Organic Mixed Greens | 0 |
| Total: | 420 |
| Snacks | |
| Hazelnut Crème Decaf | 60 |
| Total: | 60 |
| Daily Total: | 1905 |
.
Opinions shared are that of the blog author. Links and other
references are posted when applicable.*
