Has this ever happened to you? You’re just not feeling right, a little unsteady on your feet, having a hard time concentrating? Maybe you’ve noticed that your skin is looking like crepe paper?
Many people experience these symptoms and they just chalk it up to getting older. Sometimes they think it’s something like because they’ve been skipping breakfast lately. What doesn’t come to mind right away is dehydration, yet that may be causing these symptoms.
Most people know that, especially when the weather is warm, that they need to drink plenty of water but what you may not realize is that there are several surprising conditions that can cause dehydration. Let’s take a look at a few of them…
Sunburn
Skin is not only the largest organ in our body, it is also an important barrier to prevent fluid loss. A sunburn compromises skin’s ability to maintain proper levels of hydration. It’s important to use a great moisturizer and sunscreen to prevent dryness and damage from the sun. If you’re over 50, it’s even more important to moisturize daily because it becomes harder for skin to retain moisture.
Caffeine
Have you noticed how a few extra cups of coffee have you running for the bathroom for the next couple of hours? That’s because caffeine is a diuretic and diuretics make you urinate.
Caffeine is not just found in coffee, it’s found in sodas, energy drinks, chocolate, tea and approximately 60 other plants. It’s because it’s found in so many food and drinks, it’s easy to consume more than you realize in a day.
So, how much caffeine is too much? Here’s what the Mayo Clinic has to say…
Up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day appears to be safe for most healthy adults. That’s roughly the amount of caffeine in four cups of brewed coffee, 10 cans of cola or two “energy shot” drinks. Keep in mind that the actual caffeine content in beverages varies widely, especially among energy drinks.
You can read the full Mayo Clinic report by clicking this link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678#:~:text=Up%20to%20400%20milligrams%20(mg,widely%2C%20especially%20among%20energy%20drinks.
Your Diet
Your body is around 60% water and it doesn’t take much to reach mild hydration, even losing 1.5% can do it. To avoid dehydration, you’re seeing it is more than just drinking more water. What you eat makes a huge difference.
Consuming processed foods high in sugar, fat and sodium; things like chips, pizza, frozen dinners, high sugar cereal can contribute to loss of fluid. So can fast food, soy sauce, fried foods and alcohol.
It’s important to consume fresh vegetables and fruits daily. If you add choices like cucumber, watermelon, zucchini, celery, blackberries, strawberries or iceberg lettuce, among others. Fruits and vegetables really aid in hydration!
Aim for 2-3 servings of fruit per day and 5 servings of vegetables and not only will you feel more hydrated, but your overall health will benefit!
Stress
Stress causes the release of the hormone aldosterone*. Aldosterone regulates is released by the adrenal glands, which are located above your kidneys. This release of aldosterone prompts your kidneys and colon to take in more sodium, affecting the final phase of water and electrolyte absorption, depleting your fluid levels.
*Aldosterone is an important hormone, learn more here..
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