Hydrate, It's Important!
- All Care Therapies
- 40 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Water makes up 50% to 70% of body weight and is essential for health as it is needed for eliminating waste, maintaining temperature, lubricating joints, and preventing dehydration, a modifiable risk factor. While research on hydration alone is limited, it shows that combining personalized water access and education significantly increases fluid intake, leading to improved outcomes like reduced falls and increased independence. These interventions are most effective when tailored to individual preferences, involve caregivers, utilize social opportunities like mealtimes, and address barriers such as fear of incontinence. Although the advice to drink eight glasses of water a day is a reasonable, easy-to-remember goal, individual fluid needs vary. Most healthy people can stay hydrated by drinking when thirsty, but you might need to modify your total fluid intake based on several factors: exercise, environment, overall health, and pregnancy and breastfeeding. Proper hydration can be maintained by aiming for colorless or light-yellow urine and adjusting intake according to these factors. For most people, carrying a water bottle, drinking with meals, and choosing water over high-sugar drinks are simple, effective ways to stay hydrated and ensure the body has the fluids it needs. Some overall tips for staying hydrated are:
Get your fluids from water or other low-calorie beverages, such as plain coffee or tea, or
sparkling or flavored waters.
Drink water before, during, and after exercise.
Drink extra fluids during hot weather or when you are sick.
Get medical help right away if you experience confusion, fainting, rapid heartbeat or breathing, or can’t urinate.
References:
1) Garcia-Garcia D. Health Promotion and Hydration: A Systematic Review About
Hydration Care. Florence Nightingale Journal of Nursing. 2022;30(3):310-321.
doi:10.5152/fnjn.2022.21313
2) Hydrating for health. NIH News in Health. Published June 20, 2024.
3) How much water do you need to stay healthy? Mayo Clinic.
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