Hydration Station

Not a fan of plain water, we have ideas to keep you hydrated

Even as we move beyond summer months – hydration is so important! Just look at the human body and how water makes up 60% of us! Do I see you reaching for your water bottle? Well, not everyone loves water but everyone needs to stay hydrated.

Hydration status has been tied to side effects such as headaches or feeling tired. New data has emerged from a Penn State study that reviewed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011-2014 and concluded that cognitive performance may also be tied to hydration status in women over the age of 60. Hydration status was measured by combining the water content of the participant’s beverage and food water content and calculated against a blood panel. When testing on motor speed, sustained attention and working memory, those with higher hydration status, but not overhydrated, performed better. Older adults are al ready at a risk of cognitive decline due to aging, so if something as simple as staying hydrated can play such a beneficial role, we should take advantage of finding that sweet spot of hydration. While this study focused primarily on older women, hydration does not just apply to them. Hydration is important for everyone!

You do not have to be a fan of plain water to stay hydrated, there are many other ways to make sure you are tipping the hydration scale in a positive direction. Many fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, watermelon and strawberries have a high water content, allowing you to count towards your total H2O. While it is usually easier to remember to drink something in the summer heat, year round dehydration can pose adequate health concerns so it is important for all ages, all year round, to keep hydration levels in check.

You have options ranging from water to fruits and vegetables to help you reach your hydration goal. Get the whole family involved in juicing your own oranges for freshly squeezed orange juice one Sunday morning or make your own Tatooine Blue Milk using coconut milk. You are never too old to enjoy a Frozen Fighter Pop, but if you’d rather a shaken Spicy Mary, we encourage it for the sake of hydration!

Published Sept 2020