As we get older, our need to stay hydrated increases. If you lead an active lifestyle, your need is even higher. And now that the weather has warmed up, if you are active outdoors your need is even higher still. So why is it important to stay hydrated? For one, water helps our brains function properly. When we are dehydrated our capacity to think is diminished. We can get confused, become dizzy, get disoriented and as a result suffer a fall that could have disastrous consequences. If we don’t drink enough water our ability to eliminate waste is also impacted. Our kidneys won’t function properly, which in turn can lead to a host of serious health problems.
In general, the average healthy adult needs 64 ounces of water daily (eight 8 ounce glasses), however, the amount you need may differ depending on how active you are, on whether you have a chronic health condition, and on the amount and types of medications you take. As a result, it’s best to have a conversation with your health care provider about your personal hydration needs. During that conversation, if you are someone who happens to also be dealing with incontinence and you haven’t mentioned it to your doctor before; it’s time to do so. A common but potentially dangerous practice some of us employ to deal with incontinence is to substantially reduce our fluid intact. Your doctor should be able to provide you with some tips, advice, and a treatment plan to deal with your incontinence in a much safer and healthier way.
