Drink Water Or Die

This is the time of year when dehydration is a huge factor but it does not have to be. Something as simple as drinking water can prevent so many problems and people simply will not do it. I have watched men working in the sun until they tanned and sweating and never see them take a drink of any liquid. Already I have spoken to or been told of individuals this month who refused to drink water and now are dealing with serious situations. The coronavirus is raging and this is no time to go to the hospital if you don't have to. Making sure you are properly hydrated will prevent heatstroke, kidney stones, kidney failure, dialysis, hospitalization and or death.

It pains me to hear someone say they don't like water and now they are going for kidney dialysis several times a week. It's sad to see the paramedics going to the same home because the older person living there is too stubborn to consume H2o and now needs to be hospitalized in order to obtain fluids. I don't like hearing stories about people who were preaching or working outside in hot weather and had a heatstroke because they did not consume enough liquids. Water should be basic to our everyday living but many people say they don't like how it tastes, or it has no taste. To remedy this you can always purchase flavored H20 or add a little juice from a lemon, lime or orange.

Another choice is cutting up your favorite fruit and putting it into a gallon container of water, then refrigerating overnight. This will give you a delicious beverage to drink and also add vitamins and minerals to your system. Here are some things that will be affected when you do not have enough water in your body.

1. Your blood pressure may spike or drop suddenly.

2. Your body temperature will not be able to remain regulated.

3. Your electrolytes will become unbalanced.

4. Your brain could experience swelling.

5. Your joints may not function as they should.

Please keep in mind that water in and of itself does not have any vitamins or minerals unless it has been infused. This is why it is important to eat healthy and make sure to get a little sodium in the diet during hot weather. I remember when my grandma went to the hospital years ago and they said she was dehydrated. I pointed out that she had been drinking water and was told water does not have electrolytes. This is why I keep sunflower seeds and nuts on hand. They have potassium and magnesium which help balance the sodium in our bodies. Too much water can flush out the electrolytes so use moderation. It is recommended that adults drink about eight glasses of water daily.

Water keeps our entire bodily system going strong and without it, we would perish. Just remember to eat a balanced diet so that water can do what it is supposed to. When temperatures stay high and you begin to sweat you are losing fluid and need to replenish what is being lost. Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade in moderation can help but be careful because too much will increase your calorie intake. In case you are not aware of the signs that you may be dehydrated here they are.ittle or no urine.

1. Urine that is darker than usual. Your urine should be clear or light aad when it turns darker this is a sign you are not getting enough fluids.

2. Dry mouth or cottonmouth.

3. Feeling fatigued or sleepy.

4. Confusion or feeling lethargic.Extreme thirst.

5. Headache.

6. No tears when you cry

7. Your urine stream decreases

8. Lightheadedness or dizziness.

9. Extreme thirst

When you go without water for as little as three days you are at risk for death from organ failure. If you end up on dialysis, your kidneys eventually will fail and you will die. Should you experience dehydration and or heat stroke, your organs might shut down before you can get help and you could pass away. Please drink water so you won't die before your time because it is that serious. A good rule of thumb is to drink water upon rising in the morning and make sure water is the last thing you have at night prior to bed. The Mayo Clinic suggests drinking water before you are thirsty as the best way to remain properly hydrated. Water is more essential than food, so drink up.