More than 60 percent of the human body is made of water – a pretty surprising fact! So water is very important to the body. Many people don’t realize that dehydration is not just a summer problem – it can happen in the winter too.
As we age, our bodies become more prone to dehydration for a few different reasons, including that they are not able to conserve water as easily due to lowered kidney function. Also, our sense of thirst might not be as acute when we really do need water.
One of the best things you can do for overall health is to make sure you are hydrated. Here are some tips:
- Keep a reusable water bottle with you. This will remind you to drink water, and you’ll also have it whenever you feel thirsty, even if you’re out and about.
- Limit your coffee intake. For many of us, having a morning coffee is part of our routine and one of our daily joys. You don’t have to cut out coffee entirely – just try to limit your intake to one cup per day (if possible) and be aware that coffee is a diuretic, meaning it can be dehydrating. It’s also important to limit alcohol intake, which has more severe dehydrating effects.
- Keep a glass of water by your bed. Many people wake up in the middle of the night with a dry mouth. Your much more likely to actually drink water if you don’t have to get up to get it but can just reach over to your nightstand.
- Drink a full glass of water with your medications. Most medications recommend that you take them with water, so follow the instructions.
- Eat fruits and vegetables. They’re almost entirely made up of water – more than 75 percent, actually – so it’s a good way to “eat” your H2O.
- Substitute a glass of water for soda or juice. You can add lemon, lime, cucumber or mint to your water to give it a little flavor. Sparkling water and vegetable juice are also good, non-dehydrating options.
- Make a habit of drinking water. Drink a full glass in the morning with your breakfast so it becomes a daily habit.
- Replenish your fluids after exercising. Working out – even just a 20-minute walk around the block – requires restoring the body’s fluid.
