How can I be dehydrated if I do not even feel thirsty?
Is dehydration even a problem?
What do you mean I am dehydrated; I drink all day?
I hear these things from clients often.
Dehydration is not only unfavorable for gut health but also can affect the immune system which no one can afford right now.
If you are noticing that your focus is off, think dehydration first, before anything else.
Dehydration is a serious risk for elders because total body water decreases with age, aging kidneys are less able to concentrate urine, and the sensation of thirst decreases.If you are over 65 years, your risk of dehydration is even higher. Prevent it, not treat and you will not be in the bad situation. Set an alarm to drink or place a checklist on the fridge for daily reminders.
Kids are also at higher risk of dehydration. Talk to them and explain how important this is. I always tell my boys that we are mostly made of water and that is why it is crucial to stay well hydrated.
This time of the year we experience the most dehydration due to heat but believe it or not this problem persists throughout the year for many people. We confuse our thirst mechanism for food cravings all the time and overeating start along with chronic dehydration.
Acute dehydration or dehydration that happens affect you at this moment can easily be fixed with quick electrolyte water, homemade electrolyte drinks and consuming foods with minerals. And if you have more constipation this time of the year, think hydration first before going with medications.
But Chronic dehydration is not often recognized because we think we are Ok if we are not thirsty and we sure can be Ok, it does take years of chronic dehydration to cause severe damage. But why should we feel Ok if we can be feeling GREAT!
If you drink all day long with small amounts of water or other liquids, you will stay constantly dehydrated, this way you’ll never get a chance to rehydrate the cells to the fullest and will yourself in chronic dehydration. Please, drink at least 8 oz of liquid at a time to rehydrate better.
When you are chronically dehydrated your gut microbiome does not have a chance to be balanced to perfection and the toxins are not flushed well from your system so now the hormone health can suffer, too.
I drink a lot of herbal teas throughout the year but even more in the summertime. Teas like peppermint, spearmint, Tulsi, chamomile, dandelion, and decaf green are all great choices. Always try to buy organic teas. This way there is less chance of heavy metal contamination. And skip dehydrating caffeinated drinks.
Consider mineral foots soaks with Epsom salts or full relaxation baths with salts are even better. Make the summertime your time to chill while rehydrating.I am going to make a separate video with information regarding hydration and exercise. There is plenty of information just on that topic.
Please, do not grab those store-bought electrolyte drinks with artificial colors or artificial additives. Our kids are exposed to so many chemicals that they do not need more harmful chemicals in their bodies.
Calculation of your fluid intake formula:
Multiply your weight by 2/3 to calculate the need in ounces.For example, someone who’s 120lbs would need 80 ounces of water or 2.4L
Here is a quick homemade Rehydration Recipe:
1 teaspoonful of Manuka honey for glucose (if non-diabetic)
1/8 tsp of Himalayan salt for sodium
small chunk of ginger
1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon
3 cups of coconut water for potassium and magnesium.
References:1)J Am Coll Nutr. 2012 Apr;31(2):71-8. Cognitive performance and dehydration2)Steiner MJ, DeWalt DA, Byerley JS. JAMA. 2004 Jun 9;291(22):2746-54. Is Your Child Dehydrated?3)Geriatr Nurs. Mar-Apr 2000;21(2):84. Dehydration: hazards and benefits |
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