Drinking enough water is one aspect of life that many people tend to forget. Hydration is important for one’s day-to-day wellness, and this is especially so for mature adults. Hydration is the process of replenishing the liquids that have been eliminated from the body through sweat or urination. Ensuring that you are well hydrated helps to ensure proper breakdown of nutrients through the digestive tract among many other benefits. Here are some tips for you and your loved ones to stay hydrated.
Diversify Your Liquids
This is where the hydration index comes into play. The principle behind this index is that some fluids can stay in the body longer than others, making them more hydrating. With this in mind, you can try to drink different liquids like coconut water or tomato juice. This diversification will help to slow down the rate at which water is expelled from the body. If you prefer to drink something with sugar, go for fruit juices such as apple juice. Milk and orange juice work too, and work the best when it comes to hydration. These drinks not only hydrate the body but also replenishes the body’s nutrients with their high amounts of potassium and electrolytes.
Limit Water Evaporation
Sweating is a normal phenomenon that happens daily in most people. However, this can have a big part to play in one’s dehydration. As much as possible, try to stay in cooling environments. If possible, use an air conditioner indoors to keep the humidity and temperatures cooler. When outdoors, you can stay in the shade or use a fan, though they may not be helpful in the long run. As much as possible, avoid caffeine and sugar drinks as they do not help much with hydration. These drinks cause the heart and kidneys to work harder to produce urine just so that they can be eliminated.
Choose the Time to Go Out Wisely
It is not good to keep your or your loved one’s temperature too high for a long period. You should be resting in a shady area to avoid excessive sweating and increased body temperatures. Avoid going out at times where the sun is at its highest and when the ultraviolet rays are the strongest.
Moisturize Your Skin
Moisturizing your skin is also a way that you can prevent dehydration. With the skin being our biggest organ, it is only right that we hydrate it regularly to prevent evaporation. Depending on your skin type, get a moisturizer that works well for you and apply it daily. Keeping skin hydrated is especially important if you have dry skin, so make sure that you maintain as much moisture as possible.
Watch Your Diet
Certain food items have a higher water content than others which helps to maintain hydration levels. These food items include fruits and vegetables, which is why it is important to incorporate them into every meal. Try to avoid foods that are high in fat and starch and consume more lean fish and meats.
