Water is critical for healthy bodies. It is needed by every single cell in our body. With summer just around the corner it is worthwhile reflecting on your hydration. Do you drink enough water? The average adult needs between 2 and 2.5L of water per day. Reduced kidney function, ageing, some medications (including some blood pressure medications and laxatives) and limited mobility all increase our risk of becoming dehydrated. As the weather heats up fluid losses can be greater through perspiration.
Signs of dehydration:
- Thirst
- lethargy
- headache
- mood changes and slow responses
- weakness
- dark coloured urine
- dry, cracked lips
- dry mouth and nasal passages
- confusion and hallucinations
DID you know….
- 60% of our body weight is water?
- If you are on a higher protein diet you need more water?
- Hyponatraemia is rare in the general population. It occurs when the body is overloaded with water and can be life threatening?
- Drinking water helps REDUCE fluid retention?
- Drinking tea can be an important part of hydration?
- The body can not store water so we need to replenish our body every day?
- There is a strong link between excess sugary drink consumption and weight problems? So its best avoiding sugar sweetened drinks.
For further individualised advice book an appointment with Susan Phillips, our APD dietitian / nutritionist.