Over the past few months, I have heard of and been personally affected by people who become dehydrated very easily. It has left me in a bit numb, wondering why this condition is so common among the elderly. My 93-year old father fell recently due to dehydration. He was mentally confused, and he fell. He was not badly injured and his bones weren’t broken, but that is not always the case with other people. Last week, I was discussing this topic with a friend who is a Naturopath and massage therapist. You’ll know from many of my articles that I believe in treating the skin, our largest organ, with the greatest respect.
Hydration
What I didn’t know was that our skin is also responsible for keeping us hydrated. It holds moisture well when our skin is plump and young. As we age, our skin loses its ability to retain enough moisture to keep us properly hydrated. Let’s take my father as an illustration. He had a head cold and was now in bed more than usual. Do you see the point? Staying hydrated can mean different things to different people depending on their age. The hard part is that older people are less likely to drink as much water because it is more difficult to get to the toilet.
Yet, they are the ones who need to ensure they get the water they need. While I don’t advocate water-logging the elderly I do believe it is important to drink as much water as you did when younger. Before I wrote this article, every chart that showed how much water is sufficient water did not consider age. One chart did state that an elderly person should drink the same amount of water as a middle-aged adult. These charts are based on our body weight and activity level. It would seem that I would need less water if I become less active with age. This is simply not true. This is not true.
Facts
You, I, and all adults, middle-aged and elderly alike, should adjust the amount of water they drink based on their activity level as well as our age. I’m not a doctor so I won’t be rigid about this. However, it makes sense that water intake should remain the same as before we age. This equates to about 8 cups of water per day for me. Even though I’m very active, I need more than that on days when I’m not. Begin by using two fingers to grasp a roll of skin between your watch and your fingers. Then, pull the skin up to 1/2 to 1 centimeter high. In a matter of seconds, the skin should return to its normal position. You might be dehydrated if your skin bounces back slowly.
As you can see, it is important to keep your skin as plump and healthy as possible. While aging is inevitable, it is possible to slow down the process of skin thinning. Drinking products such as Neocell’s Beauty Infusion collagen beverage mix can help to maintain your skin’s elasticity. Stimulation of your skin may also help keep the blood flowing. Dry skin brushing can be used to stimulate the skin. This technique has been used for many years for a variety health issues. I know that someone is reading this and thinking, but I don’t like water. Let me end by sharing some water-enhancing tips I give to my clients with cancer who find water unpleasant due to chemotherapy drugs. Add one or more of the following to an 8-ounce glass of water.
Mineral Water
People have relied on water sources that have been subject to lengthy treatment, which has provided a variety of health and therapeutic benefits. The many health benefits of mineral water are well-known. This is why more people are choosing to use this type of water, as well as devices that provide sanitation and safety. Discover what makes this water unique and different from other types. Mineral water is water containing minerals and other dissolved substances such as salts, gases, and sulfur compounds. These substances can alter the taste and provide therapeutic benefits.
Mineral water benefits can be derived from either prepared or natural sources. It is often effervescent. Mineral water was used or consumed at the source, also known as wells and spas. Mineral water is now commonly bottled at the source for human consumption and distribution. There are over 3000 brands available worldwide. The U.S. FDA, Food and Drug Authority, classifies mineral water as having at least 250 parts/million or ppm totaldissolved solids or TDS. It can also be described as water that is tapped at one or several springs or bore holes and comes from an underground water source that has been physically and geologically protected.
Minerals
The water should not contain any minerals. The water contains high levels of dissolved minerals and electrolytes, which can help prevent dehydration and maintain health. Mineral water benefits include the ability to balance electrolytes in the body and restore the required balance of minerals and water that have been lost naturally in the system. Mineral water can kill bacteria and fungi. It cleans the body, eliminates harmful toxins and breaks down waste materials. The water can be used to treat a variety of conditions and illnesses, including joint and muscle inflammation, rheumatism, and arthritis.
The water contains many minerals that are naturally found in it, which can provide various benefits. Magnesium, which is found in the bones and muscles, is a well-known stress reliever. Magnesium boosts immunity, relaxes muscles, and regulates blood pressure. By maintaining and regulating the acid balance of the stomach and intestines, chloride and bicarbonates aid digestion. Sodium is useful in balancing the body’s water and fluids. Normaly, cells are bathed in sodium-containing fluids. Sulfate, silica, and other minerals can cleanse the body and support bones and teeth. Iron prevents anemia by distributing oxygen correctly throughout the body. Potassium is essential for energy and a better immune response.
Mineral revitalization
Purification water systems can include one or more processes that aim at getting rid of contaminants in water but not removing beneficial minerals that are essential for optimal health. Reverse osmosis can be used to improve water taste. This process also removes minerals from water, which can affect the overall nutritional content. This is recommended for areas with high salt content or brackish tastes. Look for devices that add minerals back in, revitalize, or demineralize. Price will vary depending upon the mineral water benefits, as some systems include carbon filters, blocks and carbon to control lead and chlorine.