What does it mean to stay hydrated? It’s not just about drinking more water. Many of us neglect to drink enough water, while others deliberately avoid drinking enough. The effects are not long in coming. Unfortunately, dehydration is not only troublesome and can end up with a headache, but also dangerous for our body. The older we get, the easier it is to get into trouble, and our body will not forgive neglect so easily.
Avoid these mistakes like the plague, especially after the age of 50
1. You only drink when you feel thirsty
As we get older, our thirst mechanism becomes less sensitive, which means that you may not feel thirsty and quickly become dehydrated. Make sure you drink water regularly.
2. You drink too much
Although it is extremely important to drink enough fluids, it is better not to go to extremes. Overhydration can cause electrolyte dilution, resulting in symptoms such as muscle cramps, nausea, confusion, and in severe cases, convulsions and death. Also remember to drink regularly throughout the day and not try to make up for water loss by drinking several glasses in a row. It’s not a race.
3. You drink too many caffeinated drinks
Coffee and tea also count towards your daily fluid intake, but they contain caffeine, which is a diuretic and can increase dehydration. If you avoid water and rely solely on these drinks, you will not be doing well. Limit caffeine to 1-2 cups a day, and drink the same amount of water after drinking coffee.
4. You don’t drink water in the morning
During the night, the body becomes dehydrated, which is easier with age. This causes morning weakness and lethargy. It is best to drink a glass of water before breakfast.
5. You don’t drink enough when you are active
If you are physically active, you need to remember to drink extra water and electrolytes, just as you would in hot or cold weather.
6. You avoid drinking at night so you don’t have to go to the toilet
This is one of the biggest sins. If you avoid drinking before going to bed so you don’t have to run to the toilet, you may soon regret it, because it’s another step towards slowly dehydrating yourself. Not drinking enough fluids can even negatively affect your sleep or cause leg cramps – this kind of prevention doesn’t make any sense, it only brings harm.
7. You only drink clean water
It is worth diversifying your hydration a little. Plain water may not provide enough minerals to maintain a proper electrolyte balance. Herbal or fruit teas work well as home-made electrolytes. Even water with additives such as cucumber or mint is more advisable.
8. You ignore the signs of dehydration
Dry skin, dark urine or muscle cramps are often ignored as long as they do not make life too difficult, and this is a serious mistake and a crime against our body. An excellent measure of hydration level is the color of urine – it should be light yellow.
9. Don’t drink while traveling or going out
The second deadly sin, right after avoiding drinks before bedtime, is not drinking anything while going out or traveling to avoid using public toilets. You simply mustn’t put your body through such challenges. Using public toilets may not be a pleasant activity, but spending many hours away from home without hydration is a simple recipe for disaster. This can even increase the risk of blood clots.
