We need hydration to be healthy. Many health care practitioners recommend the often cited “eight glasses of water per day” prescription, because it’s easy for people to remember. The reality, however, is that one size does not fit all when it comes to staying hydrated. Our water needs, meaning the amount we need to stay hydrated continuously, vary based on a range of factors, including our daily activities, our geographic location and our muscle mass.
Our Water Needs Differ
Every person has different hydration needs. People living in hot climates—such as we experience in Florida for example—lose more water per hour than people living in cooler climates. Athletes and people who exercise on a regular basis lose significantly more water than those with a sedentary lifestyle. Furthermore, anyone taking medications should be aware that certain prescription drugs work like diuretics and accelerate dehydration. Illness, age, and pregnancy also influence dehydration and the urgency needed to replenish the water in our bodies.
Self-Testing for Dehydration
This do-it-yourself test can help you determine if you’re dehydrated.
● Stand with your hands at eye level and pay attention to the veins on the backs of your hands.
● Slowly lower them to waist level, which is below your heart.
● Notice the way the back of your hands look. If you see obvious changes, such as your veins are standing and protruding, you need to drink more water.
Quality is as Important as Quantity
Pure water is best to keep your body hydrated. If you normally drink tap water, consider using a filter to remove some of the chemicals added during the water treatment process. Some bottled water brands also have chemical additives, so choose spring or artesian water by checking labels before you buy. Avoid the following beverages, which don’t work for optimal hydration:
● Distilled water is missing beneficial, naturally-occurring minerals due to the distillation process.
● Vitamin water contains sweeteners and other chemical additives.
Sip Rather Than Gulp
The way you drink water plays an important role in how well it does its job. If you feel thirsty and drink one or two glasses of water fast, you might quench your thirst but your body won’t absorb the water. When you chug water, most of it exits your body by way of urine—almost as fast as you drank it. Sip water slowly throughout the day for the highest absorption.
Every body is different. We all have different needs and capabilities, from nutrition, hydration, and physical activities. These differences affect our health, both positively and negatively. To better understand your optimal nutritional needs, Dr. Forman and his team can provide a more individualized approach through Nutrition Response Testing (NRT). Through analyzing your body and its unique response to various tests, Dr. Forman and his team can help determine your underlying causes of any illnesses or immune deficiencies, offering a customized nutrition program to help you eat and drink better.
The coming New Year is the perfect time to start on a path for better overall wellbeing. Contact Dr. Forman or his staff today to schedule your appointment for optimal health in 2016.
305-741-2102