August Toilet Talk: Hydration Tips to Keep You Healthy

You brush your teeth. You try to get enough sleep. Maybe you take a walk, eat a few vegetables and remember to wear sunscreen.

But there is another simple habit your body needs every single day, without fail: drinking enough fluids.

Adequate hydration keeps your body healthy. Hydration helps your heart move blood, your brain stay sharp and your kidneys remove waste. It also helps your body control temperature, especially when you’re active or the weather is hot.

Many people are not sure how much hydration they need. Experts say the answer is not one-size-fits-all. But staying hydrated doesn’t have to be complicated. For most people, water is usually the best choice, but other drinks and even some foods can help. The key is to drink enough, spread fluid intake throughout the day and pay attention to times when your body may need more.

When Your Body May Need More Fluids

Health experts have moved away from giving everyone the same rigid advice about drinking so many glasses of water a day. For most healthy people, the best advice is simple: Drink when you’re thirsty.

But that doesn’t mean thirst is a perfect guide. You may need to be more deliberate when you’re sweating, exercising, spending time in extreme heat or losing fluids from vomiting or diarrhea. Some medications can dehydrate you too. In those cases, your body will probably need more to help keep up.

Signs of Dehydration

Dehydration can be hard to spot at first. But as it becomes more serious, you may feel low on energy, confused or lightheaded. Your mouth or lips may feel dry. Your heart may beat faster.

Long-lasting or repeated periods of dehydration can lead to kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Dehydration can even strain your heart. Severe dehydration can lead to death.

Simple Hydration Tips

A simple routine can make hydration easier. Have a drink when you wake up, with meals, before going outside and during and after exercise. Keep a glass or bottle nearby if that helps you remember. Bring a drink when you leave the house.

There’s water in foods too, so pack your plate with water-rich melons, oranges, cucumbers, soups and salads. Be extra mindful of hydration when you’re sick, traveling or spending time in the heat.

If you don’t like plain water, try adding lemon, cucumber, berries or a splash of juice. Ice can also make it more refreshing.

In the end, good hydration doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be steady.