A cactus doesn’t need much water but we do!
With all this hot weather that we’re currently experiencing, it’s a good time to remember why it’s so important to stay hydrated.
Here are 5 good reasons why we need to drink more water:
- To avoid urinary tract infections.
- To help you stay out of hospital if you become dehydrated or develop a urinary tract infection.
- To increase your energy and reduce fatigue.
- To help you maintain regularity.
- To help your oral medications work better!
If symptoms come on quickly, they are generally not caused by Parkinson’s, or because your medications not working.
If in doubt, check in with your primary care physician or depending on the severity, call 911.
Warning Signs That You May be Dehydrated
• Fatigue or weakness
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Confusion
• Muscle cramps
• Dry mouth, nose or skin
• Upper abdominal pain or lower back pain
• Feeling thirsty.
Tips for Staying Hydrated
Drinking lots of water is the most helpful way to stay hydrated, healthy, and out of the hospital.
Not keen on water?
• Focus on foods that have a high water content like watermelon, oranges, cucumber, tomatoes, and zucchini.
• Add some sliced fresh fruit or cucumber to your water, or even some fruit juice.
• Try caffeine-free herbal tea. Some are fruit flavored.
• Smoothies are another option.
• Drink a full glass of water whenever you take your medications.
• Keep a jug of water ready in the fridge with the amount you need to drink throughout the day.
How do you know when you’re drinking enough?
Feeling thirsty isn’t really the best way, but the color of your urine will tell you.
• When it’s pale, odorless and plentiful that’s often an indication that you are well hydrated.
• Darker urine is an indication that you are becoming dehydrated, and very dark urine is a warning sign to seek medical aid.
So head over to the kitchen and pour yourself a glass of nice, cool, refreshing water and see how much better you’ll feel. Cheers!
