Today’s Home Spun Wisdom

Hydration tips and guidelines
Hydration tips and guidelines

RISMEDIA, September 26, 2006?On a daily basis, most people get enough fluid through normal drinking behavior, such as drinking with meals or snacks. However, children, older adults, people working in hot climates and those who exercise vigorously should pay closer attention. If you don’t get all the fluids you need, you may start to feel dizzy, get a headache or develop muscle cramps.

Guard yourself and the ones you love by following simple hydration tips and guidelines.

Hydration Tips:

Have a beverage with every meal and snack.

Choose beverages that you enjoy. Several studies show that children and adults consume about 45% to 50% more liquid when it’s flavored vs. plain water.

Eat more fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables tend to have a high water content, which makes them a great option for helping you meet your hydration needs.

Don’t exclusively rely on thirst. Sometimes thirst is not a reliable measure of hydration because of medications or other health conditions. Keep a water bottle or beverage at your desk, in your car, in your bag or wherever you’ll be reminded to drink.

Keep beverages at moderate temperature. Fluids served at moderate temperatures – temperatures that are neither hot nor cold – tend to be consumed in greater volumes.

And remember, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences sets the guidelines for hydration at 16 cups (3.7 L) total water for adult (19 – 70+ years) men and 11.5 cups (2.7L) for adult women.

Source: aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/content/article/127/116609?z=1671_00000_2467_sb_10.