Tag Archives: hydration

January 4, 2023 · 11:45 pm

Good hydration linked to healthy aging

Adults who stay well-hydrated appear to be healthier, develop fewer chronic conditions, such as heart and lung disease, and live longer than those who may not get sufficient fluids, according to a National Institutes of Health study published in eBioMedicine.  
 
Using health data gathered from 11,255 adults over a 30-year period, researchers analyzed links between serum sodium levels – which go up when fluid intake goes down – and various indicators of health. They found that adults with serum sodium levels at the higher end of a normal range were more likely to develop chronic conditions and show signs of advanced biological aging than those with serum sodium levels in the medium ranges. Adults with higher levels were also more likely to die at a younger age. 

“The results suggest that proper hydration may slow down aging and prolong a disease-free life,” said Natalia Dmitrieva, Ph.D., a study author and researcher in the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of NIH.  

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May 20, 2022 · 11:56 pm

What about sweating?-MSU

Since we are entering the warmer weather, I thought it would be worthwhile to consider perspiring, or sweating. We are all going to be doing it. What does it mean to the body?

It is important to stay hydrated and avoid excessive heat during the hot summer months because we lose a lot of body fluid through sweat. But does this mean you should avoid sweating at all costs? Not at all.

People sweat for many reasons such as hot weather, nervousness, a fever, exercise, and being in a sauna. Sweating can dehydrate us, stress us out, or remind us our body is fighting an illness. In contrast, it may invigorate us on a hike or when working out in a gym. Besides, isn’t sweating what you are supposed to do in a sauna anyhow?

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Cool, clear water … Tufts

When you want a change from plain water, having the facts about the variety of bottled offerings can help you make smart choices.

Hydration is essential for health, especially with outdoor temperatures high. Since water is necessary to deliver nutrients and oxygen to cells, aid digestion, control blood pressure, and regulate body temperature, getting enough fluids every day is essential to helping the body function properly.

Hydrate! While all kinds of beverages and many foods provide us with fluids, water is the best drink to keep us hydrated. There is no recommended daily intake level for water, as needs vary with many factors, including ambient temperature, activity level, and types of foods in the diet. Be aware that older adults are at an increased risk for dehydration because they may not sense the need for fluids in response to their bodies’ hydration state as well as they did when they were younger.

The commonly stated goal of drinking eight
(eight-ounce) cups of water a day has no firm scientific basis, but it is generally considered a reasonable goal. One way to tell if you’re getting enough fluid is to pay attention to your urine: dark urine indicates inadequate hydration.

Water Choices: Bottled waters are now the number one beverage in the U.S. These products come at a cost—both financial and environmental—so knowing what you’re getting and weighing your options carefully is important.

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July 29, 2021 · 5:54 am

Water, Water Everywhere… Tufts

Tap water from public water systems is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Routine testing of public water is required, and test results must be made available to the public. If your water comes from a well, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends having it tested once a year. Although U.S. drinking water is among the safest and most reliable in the world, it is not without controversy. Many people choose to use a whole house, under-sink, refrigerator, or pitcher-based filter system at home.

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July 5, 2021 · 10:23 am

What about watermelon’s sweetness? AHA

For the record, I love to eat watermelon. I probably have some every day. You can check out my post on it at

Just how healthy is watermelon? The following is from the American Heart Association Health News.

Whether they’re serving as snacks at a family reunion or props in a late-night comedy act, watermelons and fun just seem to go together. But how does watermelon hold up health-wise?

Smashingly, you might say.

“I’m definitely impressed by its health benefits,” said Tim Allerton, a postdoctoral researcher at Louisiana State University’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge.

It’s a rich source of minerals such as potassium and magnesium. It’s also a good source of vitamins C and A (plus beta carotene, which helps produce vitamin A), and it has fair amounts of vitamins B1, B5 and B6. You get all of that for only 46.5 calories per cup.

Befitting its name, watermelon is about 92% water, which suggests why ancestral watermelons were carried in Africa’s Kalahari Desert as long as 5,000 years ago. This is a treat with a lineage: Modern-looking versions are depicted in ancient Egyptian tombs.

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June 28, 2021 · 11:14 pm

5 Tips for Healthier Cookouts

It’s that time of the year again. Time to brush down the old grill and get ready to cook out.

Cooking food on an outdoor grill is nearly as much a part of the summer as music festivals and hanging out at the pool. It’s even better when the cook pays as much attention to nutrition and food safety as to the heat of the grill.

“It’s important to take some basic precautions when preparing food outdoors, and to make sure that you’re eating a well-rounded meal, not just gorging on bratwursts or burgers,” says registered dietitian Hannah Manella, MS, RD, CSO. She offers these tips for making your cookouts safe, healthy and even more delicious.

1. Don’t overcook meats.

Darkness is a great background for fireworks, but it may be harmful when it comes to the color of grilled meat.

Heterocyclic amines (HCA) are unhealthy chemical compounds that can form when animal proteins (beef, pork, fish, poultry) are cooked using high-temp methods that result in blackening. Similarly, smoked meats can form polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH).

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July 2, 2020 · 12:21 am

Avoiding Dehydration – Tufts

As a senior, I want to stress to you that we seniors are more vulnerable to dehydration than our younger associates.

The hot summer months are upon us, but sweating in the sun is not the only factor that raises risk for dehydration. This potentially dangerous drop in body fluid affects everything from blood pressure to the brain, so knowing the causes, signs, and symptoms of dehydration—as well as how to avoid it—is critical.

Dehydration Basics: Any situation that involves either not taking in enough fluid or losing too much fluid can cause dehydration. “We don’t drink enough if fluids are unavailable, or if we lack an adequate thirst response,” says Roger Fielding, PhD, director and senior scientist at the Nutrition, Exercise Physiology, and Sarcopenia Laboratory at Tufts’ Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging. “We lose fluid through sweat, diarrhea, vomiting, or blood loss. Medications like diuretics (water pills), or medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, can also cause too much water to leave the body. These factors, alone or in combination, can lead to dehydration.”

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June 7, 2020 · 12:04 am

Getting Enough Fluids – NIA

LIttle things mean a lot. We need to exercise every day, get a good night’s sleep and drink plenty of fluids. Sounds simple, but sometimes not so easy. Here is some fluid advice from the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

It’s important for your body to have plenty of fluids each day. Water helps you digest your food, absorb nutrients from food, and then get rid of the unused waste. Water is found in foods—both solids and liquids, as well as in its natural state.

With age, you might lose some of your sense of thirst. To further complicate matters, some medicines might make it even more important to have plenty of fluids.

Remember, water is a good way to add fluids to your daily routine without adding calories.

Try these tips for getting enough fluids:

Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink water or other fluids.
Take sips of water, milk, or juice between bites during meals.
Add liquids throughout the day.
Have a cup of low-fat soup as an afternoon snack.
Drink a full glass of water when you take a pill.
Have a glass of water before you exercise.
Drink fat-free or low-fat milk, or other drinks without added sugars.
If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so sensibly and in moderation. That means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks for men.
Don’t stop drinking liquids if you have a urinary control problem. Talk with your doctor about treatment.

Learn how to shift to healthier beverage choices.

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March 26, 2020 · 12:08 am

Breaking down COVID-19 myths – UT

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, rumors and misinformation about the virus seem to be spreading just as quickly, if not more quickly, than the virus itself. In the midst of a pandemic, false information can be dangerous and lead to panic, making it difficult to differentiate between fact and fiction.

An illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depicts the 2019 Novel Coronavirus

Experts with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) weigh in on the most common myths about COVID-19:

MYTH: Vitamin C can help fight against the virus

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that can help boost the immune system and is found in many fruits and vegetables. However, research shows that for most people, taking vitamin C won’t even fight against the common cold.

“Studies show that vitamin C has no significant benefit in preventing or treating the common cold for most patients, and COVID-19 is not the common cold,” said Joyce Samuel, MD, an associate professor of pediatrics at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and a pediatric nephrologist with UT Physicians. Continue reading →

Two more cool water bottles …

Having just written about The coolest water bottle ever, in fairness to my other cool water bottles, I thought I should mention them, too. They are really neat, too and make my bike rides as enjoyable as possible. For the mathematically keen, yes, that comes to a total of three water bottles. And, yes, my bike only has two cages for water bottles. Stay tuned, there is an explanation.

The first is my bottle from the Eddie Bauer store for outdoor activities.

This is my bottle for riding in summer heat. As you can see, besides the drinking spout there is a nozzle at the top and also a ‘trigger-like’ mechanism that, in fact, functions as a trigger. This allows me to spray my face with a cool mist during summer rides. The bottle boasts a wide mouth so, I have no trouble putting in ice cubes to keep the water temp down. Also, it is well-constructed with an ‘inner bottle’ which means the ice cubes stay solid a long time. Continue reading →

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October 7, 2019 · 4:56 pm

The coolest water bottle ever …

This post will not help you to exercise more, lose weight or live longer. However, it may pique your interest. I just found this great water bottle for my bike ( or any other travels ) and I wanted to share the details with you.

As you can read I got it at Starbucks in Las Vegas. I was staying at Caesars Palace. Just got back and may get around to posting the trip details later. For now, what happened in Las Vegas stays there.

Right now – the water bottle. As you can see it has cheery free form designs that may be construed as suggestive of gambling in the form of spades, clubs and hearts … or not. I do think they look delightful. The material is some kind of composite, very light weight and also insulated. Ice cubes stay firm and the drink cool for the longest ride.

But, besides its lovely visual appeal, I considered its construction to be ingenious. Check out the next picture.

The top unscrews to reveal a wide mouth suitable for loading in ice cubes. For me that is a sine qua non for water bottles. As you can see the top also converts to a charming little cup with a finger hole if you feel like drinking that way. Personally, I just tilt it back and drink out of the bottle like it was a big glass – yet another cool option. But wait, there is more ….

Next, if you are so inclined, you can unscrew the top and just drink out of it like a regular water bottle. Tell me that is not cool!

Last, but not least, is the handy orange acrylic ring that doubles as a carry ring if you don’t happen to be using it on your bike which has a bottle holder.

If you find yourself falling in love with it, you might find one at your Starbucks.

Tony

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April 20, 2019 · 12:13 am

9 Tips on staying hydrated – Tufts

Adequate fluid intake is essential to your good health. These tips from the Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter will help keep you on track.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

-Drink mostly water. Unsweetened coffee, tea, and milk are also good choices.

-Limit sweet drinks. Sugar-sweetened beverages are bad for your health, increasing weight gain and diabetes risk.

-Track your fluids. If you find you don’t normally feel thirsty, especially in the summer, fill a quart container in the morning and finish before the end of the day.

-Keep it visible. Carry a water bottle when you go out, keep a quart container visible, and place a cup of water by your bed.

-Give it bubbles or flavor. If plain water doesn’t appeal, try adding carbonation, orange slices or other fruit, cucumber, or mint leaves.

-Eat water-dense foods. Fruits (like melons, grapes, and citrus) and raw vegetables (like cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, and peppers) contribute to hydration, as do soups and stews.

-Create habits. Make it a routine to take a drink of water before a meal, before you get out of bed in the morning, or whenever you start a new activity.

-Replenish. Go into physical activity well hydrated and be sure to drink water after activity (or during longer active periods).

-Stay cool. Be sure to drink plenty of water on hot days.

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March 3, 2019 · 12:05 am

A glass of water …

I just ran across this and thought you might enjoy it as much as I did. Sometimes simple things can be very beneficial to our health.

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Tony

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January 1, 2019 · 1:08 am

Cold weather woes and dry eyes

I have an apartment facing southeast with big windows so I get a lot of sunshine in the winter which warms the unit and cuts into heating bills. As a result I have less reason to suffer from dry eyes in the winter time than most. Here are some useful tips from the University of Alabama at Birmingham on cold weather and dry eyes.

As cold winter months arrive, many people will live in dry, indoor conditions with the heat on all day, which contributes to the season’s being the most common time people complain about dry, itchy and watery eyes.

Dry eye occurs when there is low tear production, or when the tear quality is poor and the tears evaporate too quickly. When people blink, tears spread evenly over the eye, keeping them smooth, healthy and clear. This is an important step for healthy, comfortable vision. However, it is estimated that 4.88 million Americans age 50 and older have dry eye, and suffer from irritated, burning and scratchy eyes. Continue reading →

Some healthy habits for you …

I just ran across this infographic and was touched by its simplicity. Basic as it is, I hope you have these going for you on a daily basis. I think they are the keys to a long and healthy life.

Tony

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Tagged as Exercise Benefits, good night's sleep, hydration, walking

June 14, 2018 · 2:31 pm

5 Tips for a Healthier Morning – Rush

I have to confess that I am a morning person. Have been all my life. I am up around 4:00 to 4:30 AM most mornings. Yes, I go to sleep close to 9:00 PM. When I was working I stayed up a bit later and woke up about a half hour later. I realize that this is not typical of most people, particularly those with jobs. So, I thought I would share this item from the Rush University Medical Center here in Chicago.

Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom on Pexels.com

Give your morning routine a makeover
Does your morning go anything like this?

Being in bed feels so good that you can’t get up, so you hit snooze — three or four times.

Once you open your eyes, you realize you have a 9:00 o’clock meeting, so you check your email while still in bed to get ahead of the workday.

Now you’re running late. You throw down vitamins with a glass of juice. You can’t find your keys or your left shoe and run around the house until you’ve found both.

Finally in the car, you grab the biggest coffee you can order and two glazed donuts at the drive-thru, and traffic has you fuming before you even get to work.

All that rushing around can set a negative tone for the entire day, making you feel stressed, lethargic and irritable — and, possibly, affecting your ability to focus on tasks or calmly cope with work-related crises.

To help get your day off to a better, and healthier, start, follow these tips from Maria C. Reyes, MD, an internist at Rush University Medical Center. Continue reading →