As I type this week’s blog, beside me is my usual 24-ounce water bottle. While researching and typing, I will unconsciously reach for my bottle and sip until it is empty. Eventually I will get up and refill it. I am killing two birds with one stone. I’m able to churn out the weekly blog and get hydrated at the same time.
FAT VS LEAN
Studies show that the average adult body is 50-60% water. Apparently infants are more like 75%. Obviously body composition varies according to gender and fitness level. I read that fatty tissue contains less water than lean tissue. Who knew?
GANDHI
The human body can’t survive on love alone. It must have food and water. It can go a lot longer without food than it can without water. Mahatma Gandhi survived 21 days of complete starvation. The average human would only last 3-4 days without water. Every living cell in the body needs water to keep it functioning. Water acts as a lubricant for our joints, regulates our body temperature through respiration and sweating and helps flush waste from our system.
I’M NOT THIRSTY
Our bodies are constantly losing water. If the lost water is not replaced, you can run the risk of becoming dehydrated. No, I’m not talking about a glass per day. That is not nearly enough to replenish what you lose. What if you aren’t thirsty? Drink water anyway. Thirst isn’t always a reliable indicator of the body’s need for water. Some people don’t feel thirsty until they are already dehydrated!
HOW DO I KNOW
I don’t love drinking water. If I don’t make a conscious effort, I will forget. That is until I’m thirsty. The question is, “How will I know if I’m dehydrated?” Your first clue is thirst. You might notice less frequent urination, dark colored urine, fatigue, dizziness and confusion. Dehydration is serious. Get medical help if you have diarrhea for more than 24 hours, are irritable or disoriented, are sleepy, are less active than usual or have bloody or black stool.
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
Believe it or not, water intoxication is a real thing. It is called hyponatremia. Too much water can cause the level of sodium in your blood to drop too low and can be fatal! Don’t get crazy. Get reasonable. Although you will hear different opinions about how much to drink, health authorities recommend eight 8-ounce glasses per day.
ULTRASOUND AND WATER
If you have ever had an abdominal ultrasound, you’ll remember, you were asked to drink oceans of water prior to your exam and do not empty your bladder. Although highly uncomfortable, a full bladder actually helps the sonographer view the pelvic organs. The intention is not to cause you grief and discomfort. It is to get the clearest most accurate ultrasound study possible, which is our goal at HDD. If we can assist with any of your diagnostic ultrasound needs, call us at 505-350-3397