Hydration: It's not just for skincare!
Posted on Fri, Dec 30, 2011
We all know about keeping our skin hydrated and the benefits of doing so – at least we should by now!! But aside from our skin, it is even more important to keep our body hydrated too. No point looking after the outside and forgetting to limit the damage from the inside.
Most people are at least mildly dehydrated much of the time – whether they realise it or not. Older people are more at risk because the thirst sensation diminishes as we age. But by the time you actually feel thirsty, you're already becoming dehydrated.
Some symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration:
- thirst or dry mouth
- concentrated urine – darker colour, smaller amounts
- dry skin or reduced skin elasticity
- headache
- fatigue or low energy
- constipation
Chronic dehydration can cause other health issues:
- asthma / allergies
- depression / insomnia
- arthritis / chronic pain
- hypertension / elevated cholesterol
Prevention is better than Cure
Preventing or reversing mild to moderate dehydration is simple! Drink a minimum of 8 to 12 eight-ounce glasses of water every day. You may need to increase your total fluid intake depending on your activity level, the temperature of your surroundings, or your health status – such as fever, diarrhea or vomiting. Pregnant or breast-feeding women also require additional fluids.
Drinking Tips
- Drink 2 full glasses of water within the first half hour after waking. This will prime your body for the day and help in maintaining bowel regularity.
- Fill 2 or 3 water bottles with water. Each should hold at least 3 or 4 cups and be made from tempered glass, stainless steel, or non-BPA plastic.
- Drink half of that water by early afternoon - drink the rest by 2 hours before bedtime.
- Keep a bottle with you to make it easy to drink, and take one or two bottles when you leave the house. This takes the guesswork out of keeping track. When the bottles are empty, you know you've fulfilled your basic water requirement.
- Spread out your drinking during the day and don't drink more than two cups at a time.
Alcohol also dehydrates us, so if you are having a few extra drinks over the new year, remember to drink water too - especially before you go to bed. The less dehydrated you are, the better the chance of feeling 'human' the next morning!!
It’s up to you, but either way, have a safe and happy new year and here’s to a great 2012. Cheers!