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Hydration: Supporting Bowel Health
During the summer, many people seek out water for recreation and relaxation. Whether swimming in a pool, running through a sprinkler, or sitting by the ocean, water offers calmness and serenity that are important for emotional health. While we naturally seek out water around us, drinking enough water for our bodies is just as important. Hydration plays a vital role in gastrointestinal health by preventing constipation.
Water: How Much Should You Drink?
We are advised to drink enough water, but how much is enough? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that sufficient water is important for health, but needs vary by age, sex, activity level, pregnancy, and breastfeeding [1]. Climate, heat exposure, physical exertion, and nutrition may also influence hydration status [2].
Water: The Thirst Mechanism
Without enough water, people may experience fatigue, dizziness, and have difficulty functioning well. Proper hydration means maintaining a sufficient water balance in the body [1]. So how does the body know when it needs more water? The thirst mechanism is an important signal that responds to changes in the body’s water and salt balance, indicating the need for more fluids.
The Risk of Chronic Dehydration in the Older Adult
Did you know that older adults may be at a higher risk of dehydration than the general population? Dehydration is often thought of as a short-term problem caused by illness, intense exercise, or excessive heat. However, chronic dehydration can be insidious, gradually developing over time, which can lead to serious health complications.
Water: The Essential Nutrient
The month of April always makes me think of water. As one of the rainiest months of the year, the drizzle and downpour bring life to the newly forming plants and blooming flowers. Without sufficient water, the plants would wither and struggle to survive. Not only is water necessary for the plant kingdom, but also vital for humans. Adequate intake is required for proper body function and overall health.
Urinary Tract Infections in Older Adults: Dehydration
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common problem in older adults. General symptoms include painful urination, the urge to void frequently, bloody urine, and lower abdominal pain or cramping [1]. The infection can migrate to the kidneys, causing chills, nausea, vomiting, and low back pain. Of note, the older adult can have a much different clinical presentation, in which atypical symptoms may manifest as confusion, delirium, lethargy, and new incontinence [2].
Water’s Balancing Act
Our body is a lot like the earth’s waterways. We are dependent on water because it is vital for life.
Water Is Vitality
You may know water is vital to life. Can you explain how? Consider a houseplant. When neglecting to water the soil, the dirt holding the plant’s roots becomes parched. The leaves turn yellow and brown. Eventually, the plant, which was once initially full of green color and vibrance, will die. Similarly, water is necessary for humans to survive and thrive.