In a world overflowing with diet trends, miracle pills, and endless wellness advice, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
What if the most important health tip is something simple — something we’ve had all along?
Water.
Our bodies depend on water for every function — from thinking clearly to moving freely. It dictates brain function, muscle function, coordination, recovery time, energy levels, immunity, and the list goes on! The more hydrated you are, the more efficient your body will function.
Hydration is key
Not only does water aid in preventing illness and injury -it also aids in recovery from illness or injury. Water flushes out bodily toxins and delivers nutrients more efficiently to healing tissues. Water also supports medication effectiveness by helping the body absorb and process them properly (this is why it’s important to pair medication intake with a glass of water).
Successful aging doesn’t always require complicated solutions. Sometimes, it begins with going back to basics. Start with water. The most natural and the most effective form of self-care.
While the recommendation to increase your water intake may seem like a small one, it has a very large impact. Dehydration increases risk of serious complications: kidney problems, urinary tract infections, falls, confusion, and even increased mortality. Anyone who has worked in a hospital can tell you how many patients end up there simply because they were dehydrated.
Unfortunately, as you age, your sensation of thirst diminishes, even when your body needs water. A UCLA study found up to 40 percent of community-dwelling older adults may be chronically underhydrated. Drinking water must become an intentional, consistent part of your life. Not grabbing a glass when you feel thirst but intentionally scheduling water intake into your day. Having a goal of 8 glasses of water a day and making a plan to ensure you meet that goal.
At Balance in Motion, we tend to sound like a broken record as we continually remind our clients of the importance of prioritizing hydration. This is because we know the impact staying hydrated has on overall health and successful aging. Our therapists have seen firsthand the difference staying hydrated makes for the recovery and success of our clients.
It sounds so simple, but I think we can all agree that life gets busy, life gets chaotic and we can look at the clock at 4 pm and wonder if we have even had 1 glass of water yet. This is the start of low energy, decreased recovery speed, and increased risk for illness or injury.
See our Easy as 1, 2, 3 Hydration Tips for easy recommendations to increase your water intake.
A healthier, happier you starts today!
