With the dog days of summer ahead of us, we need to be mindful about taking care of ourselves. The sun can be brutal. Those who believe in the benefits of using sunscreen use it. Those who are opposed to dangerous chemicals being absorbed into the bloodstream, take precautions, cover up or stay out of the sun. Don’t forget to hydrate!
SPEAKING OF HYDRATION
The human body is made up of about 60% water but can vary by age, sex and body. Hydration is crucial for temperature regulation, nutrient transport and waste removal. If you are thirsty chances are you are already dehydrated. The general rule for hydration is about 11 cups of water per day for women and 15 cups for men.
SIGNS
How do you know you are dehydrated? Thirst is your first clue. Dry mouth, lips and skin, dark yellow urine, fatigue or dizziness, headache, muscle cramps and sunken eyes are indicative of dehydration. Some studies suggest that drinking enough water can aid in weight loss by increasing your metabolism, making it easier to burn calories. Remember, drink before you are thirsty.
THAT’S THE BAD NEWS…
The good news is that is you are drinking enough water, you will experience several positive changes including improved digestion, clearer skin, increased energy along with better kidney function. Did I mention hydration can even support weight loss? Now that I have your attention, go grab a glass of H2o and keep it going all day every day.
NO BRAINER
Try starting your day with a glass of water when you wake up. Fill your water bottle and take it with you wherever you go. Make sure you know where the bathrooms are! Try to include water rich food like lettuce, watermelon, and cucumbers. If you work out and I hope you do, drink before and after exercise.
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
There is an old saying that “Too much of a good thing is bad.” The fact is, drinking too much water can be just as risky as not drinking enough. This is called water intoxication aka hyponatremia. Make sure you are consuming enough electrolytes to avoid nutrient deficiencies. The sodium levels in your blood stream can become dangerously low due to dilution.
SYMPTOMS
Your urine should be pale yellow, not crystal clear. If you pee more than every 1-2 hours, your water intake may be excessive. Do you feel nauseous? This could be a result of electrolyte imbalance. Brain cells can become waterlogged causing fatigue and irritability. Use common sense and listen to your body.
HDD
Drinking enough water prior to your ultrasound appointment can help create the best possible image quality and in some cases it is required. Occasionally food or water can create blurry images from gas or stomach content. Always follow specific instructions from High Desert Diagnostics or your healthcare provider because prep depends on what part of the body is being scanned. If we can assist in your need for diagnostic ultrasound, call 505-350-3397.