Although you may see statistics claiming that most people in the United States are chronically dehydrated, severe dehydration that requires medical care through immediate intravenous (IV) fluids is rare. Among older people, however, dehydration that requires medical attention occurs in about 17-28% of that population.
Healthy adults may not get near critical levels of dehydration, but that doesn’t mean you’re not underhydrated. Simply carrying a water bottle around with you all day and slugging down ounces at a time may not keep you well-hydrated.
In addition to drinking water and other healthy fluids throughout the day, you should consume nutritious, whole, water-rich fruits and vegetables, but many Americans don’t.
Today’s busy lifestyles leave you grabbing meals on the go and gulping that water bottle or coffee carafe when possible. That gulped water is more likely to exit as quickly as it enters your system rather than hydrating your cells. And processed foods don’t have enough water to keep you well-hydrated, either.
At Enrich Family Practice, our expert nurse practitioners provide vitamin- and mineral-rich intravenous (IV) hydration therapy. Slowly and carefully, your body receives the fluids and nutrients it needs to hydrate your skin and organs and nourish every cell.
Are you regularly dehydrated or under-hydrated? Following are five signs that you could benefit from changing your hydration habits and adding a relaxing IV hydration session to your schedule.
Thirst is a sign that your body is already slightly dehydrated, especially if you have a dry mouth or tongue. If you’re chronically thirsty and can’t seem to quench your thirst, you may be under-hydrating, no matter how much water you drink.
Thirst is the sign your body gives you when it needs fluids. If you think you drink enough water, try drinking it more slowly. Taking in a large amount of water triggers a “bolus response,” your body’s defense against excess water intake by urinating it out immediately.
If you urinate shortly after drinking a large amount of water outside of meal time, you know that very little of those fluids reached your cells. Instead, the bolus response expelled the water. Sip water throughout the day instead of gulping it down at meals or after a workout.
Conversely, if you rarely urinate, that’s a sure sign that you’re under-hydrated. If you’re in a profession, such as law enforcement or medicine, your strategy of drinking less to avoid a bathroom break could cause dehydration.
Typically, adults urinate 6-7 times per day, though anywhere from 4-10 times may still be healthy. If you hit the head much more or much less frequently, dehydration could be the result.
An easy visual test for dehydration is to look at the color of your urine. If the toilet water turns dark yellow or orange, you’re probably dehydrated. Ideally, the water should be a pale yellow color. Of course, if you take supplements, that may also alter the look of your urine.
Your body needs fluids to transmit electrical signals and function optimally. When you don’t have enough fluid, your systems wear down, and lifestyle factors dehydrating your body, such as air travel, working, or living in air-conditioned spaces, exacerbate the breakdown.
When you don’t have enough fluids, your blood volume decreases, leading to low blood pressure. Without enough blood pressure, insufficient blood reaches your brain, which can cause you to feel light-headed or dizzy.
Frequent headaches may also be a sign of dehydration or underhydration. If you get a headache, try sipping water slowly over the day to see if that relieves you.
If you’ve been chronically under-hydrated or dehydrated, or if you’ve just undergone stress that’s left you fatigued and foggy, an IV fluid session can give your cells what they need. We evaluate your symptoms and general health and discuss your goals to develop a customized IV cocktail.
Your IV therapy not only rehydrates your parched cells, but it’s also a relaxing experience that gives you a chance to slow down and focus on wellness. Many women and men who undergo IV fluid therapy notice an immediate difference in how they look and feel.
Do you suspect under-hydration is at the root of your malaise or chronic thirst? Find out if IV hydration can help you feel more like yourself by phoning 432-200-9052 and filling out our convenient online appointment form today.
