Home | health | 10 Common Hydration Mistakes To Avoid

10 common hydration mistakes to avoid

10 common hydration mistakes to avoid

Drinking water is crucial for overall health and well-being, but it’s not just about the quantity. How we drink water can also have a substantial impact on our bodies. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when hydrating, which can significantly disrupt their natural bodily functions. Several factors must be considered when drinking water, from timing and temperature to additives and sources. Here are a few common mistakes to steer clear of.

Not drinking enough water
The human body is made up of about 60% water, so one must drink enough to maintain proper hydration levels. The general recommendation is at least eight glasses daily, but this number can vary depending on age, gender, and activity level.

Drinking too much water
Drinking water excessively can lead to hyponatremia, a condition where the body’s sodium levels become diluted. This can cause symptoms like nausea, headaches, and confusion. So, finding a balance and drinking the correct amount is crucial.

Mistaking thirst for hunger
Sometimes, the human body sends similar signals for hunger and thirst, such as a feeling of emptiness in the stomach or a dry mouth. As a result, individuals may think they’re hungry when, in fact, they’re dehydrated. If a person has had a recent meal or a snack, they should drink water first to see if the feeling is alleviated. If hunger persists, one can eat something nutritious.

Drinking water before bedtime
Drinking too much water before bed can lead to nighttime bathroom trips, disrupting sleep. So, individuals should stop drinking water at least an hour or two before bedtime.

Drinking water immediately after meals
Drinking water immediately after meals can dilute stomach acid and interfere with digestion, leading to indigestion, discomfort, and even acid reflux. It’s best to wait at least 30 minutes after a meal before drinking water to give the food some time to digest. One can sip water during meals or drink a glass before eating if needed.

Drinking ice-cold or boiling-hot water
Ice-cold water can send the body into a shock and cause digestive discomfort. On the other hand, boiling-hot water can injure the delicate tissues in the esophagus or burn the taste buds. So, one must drink water that’s at a bearable or moderate temperature.

Drinking water from the wrong source
Tap water in some areas may contain pollutants, while water in plastic bottles may have harmful microplastics. So, it’s essential to research the quality of one’s local water supply and invest in a water filtration system if necessary.

Drinking water with additives
Adding sweeteners, flavorings, or other additives to water can be a mistake. These additives increase calorie intake and contribute to unhealthy habits. It’s best to drink water in its natural form and get the flavor from fruits or herbs instead.

Not drinking water before and after exercise
Dehydration caused by exercise can lead to muscle cramps, fatigue, and decreased performance. So, individuals should drink water before and after workouts and take a few sips during exercise to maintain hydration levels.

Gulping down water quickly
Drinking water hurriedly can cause discomfort and bloating and even lead to choking. One should sip water slowly to allow the body to absorb it. This habit can help individuals become more mindful of their thirst cues.

Read Also

Know more about exciting & latest articles right here

Top 4 reasons for unnatural hair loss patterns

Top 4 reasons for unnatural hair loss patterns

Hair loss is a natural process that automatically gets rid of old tissue and hair to promote new growth. So don’t be alarmed when you do find a few strands of hair tangled in your comb. However, a clearly visible scalp and a receding hairline are indicative of developing the problem of permanent hair loss. There are several internal and external factors that can accelerate hair fall, leading to pattern baldness in both men and women. Here are the top four reasons that trigger unnatural hair fall. Stress Stress ranks among the top risk factors associated with many medical conditions. In fact, one way or the other, taking physical or psychological stress harms the body more than you can imagine. For hair loss, especially, excessive shedding starts right after the body undergoes physical or psychological distress. A few examples include experiencing high fever, blood loss due to accident or injury, or even post-surgery recovery can result in stress that causes hair loss. Stress, coupled with anxiety, results in accelerated hair loss. To cope with this problem and reduce its effects, stress management is of crucial importance. Hormonal changes Men and women both experience hormonal changes throughout their lifetime. However, an imbalance associated with various conditions can trigger hair loss.
Read More
Learn about these 3 types of hearing loss

Learn about these 3 types of hearing loss

Hearing loss, deafness, or impairment is the partial or total inability to hear sounds. People with low to moderate hearing impairment face challenges in understanding what the other person is saying in a noisy environment. Whereas, people with severe deafness cannot hear anything, and rely completely on lip-reading and sign language skills. There are three main types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and a combination of both. Let’s understand these types in detail and learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of each type. Sensorineural hearing loss It’s the most common type of hearing loss. Sensorineural is permanent hearing loss often caused by damage to the tiny hair cells that line the inner ear or the auditory nerve. The damage stops or weakens the transfers of nerve signals to the brain. These signals are essentially the intensity and clarity of sounds. Causes: Aging and exposure to loud noises for a long period of time are the most common cause of the damage. Certain medications and illnesses can also increase risks. It can even be genetic, and pass on to the child in the mother’s womb. Treatment: There is no medical or surgical treatment available to repair the tiny hair cells once they’re damaged.
Read More
Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

The heart is the most crucial organ in the body and as the system will cease to function if the heart stops or loses momentum pumping fresh oxygenated blood. This is why it is vital to not neglect your heart health at all and responsibly maintain a healthy, stress-free, and more importantly, a happy lifestyle. Here are a few simple lifestyle changes that will help support a healthy heart function. Switch to a healthy diet Avoid eating foods that are rich in trans and saturated fats. Most foods you find on the shelves of the supermarket contain large quantities of one or the other. Instead, switch to low-fat high fiber alternatives to help manage cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level in the body automatically reduces the risk of heart diseases. The simple reason for this is that fats that normally block major arteries and blood vessels are eliminated from these foods choices. It is also advisable to limit the salt (sodium) intake to control blood pressure and sugar to reduce the risk of diabetes simultaneously. Change certain lifestyle habits Reduce the number of alcoholic or carbonated drinks you have regularly. For men, it is advisable to have not more than two drinks and day and women must have only one.
Read More
How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

Heartburn is an unpleasant, burning sensation in the chest that is more common than a lot of individuals realize. Pregnant women, older men, and even young adults experience it frequently. Despite it being such a prevalent experience, not many know that heartburn has actually nothing to do with the heart and everything to do with the stomach and the esophagus. Unsurprisingly enough, heartburn is also used interchangeably with GERD. But, before we get to deciphering heartburn and GERD, let’s understand what acid reflux is. What is acid reflux or GER? Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter or LES becomes weak, allowing the contents of the stomach to travel in the wrong direction, back up the esophagus. Acid reflux is also called GER or gastroesophageal reflux as it involves the stomach and esophagus. This condition can usually be resolved with over-the-counter medication. What is heartburn? Heartburn is a burning or painful sensation that is experienced in the chest. Since the lining of the esophagus is not as strong as the lining of the stomach, the acid from the stomach can cause a burning sensation in the chest. This pain or burning sensation that is heartburn can often be misconstrued for a heart attack.
Read More