Surprising Facts to Know on the Importance of Hydration
Your skin, organs, muscles, and bones all have one thing in common. They contain a lot of water. As much as 60 percent of your body is water. Learn more about the importance of staying hydrated here.
Eight Glasses Is Not Always Enough
For decades, people were told to drink eight glasses of water each day or 64 ounces. That’s about 1.9 liters of water. Experts realize that it’s not enough. The amount you need depends on your gender and activity levels. Most men need 3 liters. Women need just over 2 liters. If you’ve been sick with diarrhea or vomiting, you need even more.
Some of the foods you eat add to your water intake. You should expect many of the foods you eat to make up about 20 percent of your daily water intake. Foods like celery, melon, and tomatoes have a lot of water in them.
Blood is Almost All Water
Your blood is made up of water. While there are red and white blood cells, 90 percent of the mixture is water. Its main goal in the blood is to help transport oxygen around the body. It also helps transport protein and carbohydrates to the different areas of your body.
Dehydration Can Increase Blood Pressure
If you’re dehydrated, the blood thickens. That increases your blood pressure. Staying hydrated is the best way to keep your blood pressure at the levels it usually is for you.
Water Keeps the Organs Healthy
Water is found throughout your body. You might think of the bulk of the water as being in your skin cells, but it’s not. Your lungs are more than 80 percent water. Your muscles are almost 80 percent water. Your heart is more than 70 percent water.
If you don’t drink enough water, your kidneys may pay the price. The risk of kidney stones increases if you’re regularly dehydrated.
The role of water goes behind getting nutrients to your muscles and body. It’s also there to help cushion injuries in organs like the brain and lubricate the joints.
Have home care services partner with you and your parents to ensure they always get enough to drink. As the body may not feel the urge to drink water until dehydration is already starting, it’s important that your parents have support staying hydrated. It’s very important at any time of the year, but more so in hot weather. Call our home care services agency to discuss having caregivers help your parents with meals, snacks, and beverages.
Sources: https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/water-you-water-and-human-body?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in McSherrystown PA, please talk to us. Our friendly staff can answer all of your questions. In-home Senior Care in Adams and York Counties, PA. Call Today: (717) 698-8258.
- Ways To Keep Your Senior Parent Safe From Household Emergencies - December 23, 2024
- What Seniors Should Eat When They Have Diabetes - December 6, 2024
- Ideas To Keep Your Senior Parent From Getting Bored At Home - November 22, 2024