How important is WATER ?

So, we have ALL been told to drink more water, increase your fluids, hydrate!

...well, on the same token, those of us who have kidney issues or diabetes or heart issues (with diuretics) or congestive heart issues or bladder issues need to watch how much and when we drink water.

What is one to do? How important is water?

To begin, here is what water is responsible for doing in the body:

helps to control body temperature
aids the digestive process
process energy and nutrients to tissues in the body
aids healing
aids detoxification for regular bowels and urination
cushions organs and joints
muscle needs hydration for bulk and function
skin health
brain health

What gets in the way of good hydration?

Laxatives
Diuretics
Muscle atrophy (sarcopenia)
Reduced food intake
Incontinence
Poor memory and cognition
Lack of movement
Various medications
Alcohol

Overall health and wellbeing is significantly impacted by hydration levels. Water contains electrolytes, which aid all the systems of the body to function. When these are low, such as in dehydration, systems do not work properly and can eventually fail in older adults.

Dehydration occurs when there is an excess fluid loss from the body due to illness, exposure to high temperatures, exertion with inadequate fluid intake or with the use of diuretic medications. Symptoms can include dizziness, headache, confusion, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, dry mouth/tongue and seizures in more extreme cases. Physical signs: sunken eye, delayed capillary refill time and not sweating. Seniors are often hospitalized with the above symptoms which ends up being low hydration.

Chronic hydration issues are common among seniors and are usually undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as other problems. Assessment and help for seniors is imperative. Water is the key nutrient to FIRST consider in one's health improvement !

written by the team at the BODiWORKS Institute for the Steady Senior program

www.healthisfreedom.net

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