As we get older we are more prone to dehydration and it’s probably a much bigger deal than you think. In fact, statistics say that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. 75%! Studies show that even though Americans drink some form of technically hydrating beverages each day, they also drink a lot of caffeine, alcohol and eat a diet very high in sodium (processed and fast foods). Check out the list below for some of the surprising (at least to me) effects of dehydration.

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Some Effects of Dehydration

Headaches

Fatigue

Muscle Cramps

Reduced ability to exercise-(tiring faster)

Weight Gain

Blurry Vision

Reduced cognitive function

Mood Swings

Skin problems

Kidney Problems

Experiencing any of these? Could you be dehydrated? – Even your back pain could be because of dehydration! It’s kind of a big deal.

What To Do About It?

Drink water all damn day long, right? Well, let’s just file that under “easier said than done” obviously, or 75% of us wouldn’t be dehydrated, right? Fortunately, there are some other things that you can help yourself with hydration in case you aren’t meeting that 2 liters of water amount each day.

Hydrant Hydration Mix

Thank you to Hydrant for partnering with me to tell you about their rapid-hydration formula. As always all opinions are my own.

One of the best things that has come across my desk in a while is Hydrant Rapid Hydration Mix. Oxford scientists have developed a rapid-hydration formula that contains the perfect balance of water, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc to get you hydrated……with a quickness! This stuff has been a game-changer for me. It has 3 times the electrolytes of a sports drink and only the tiniest amount of (real) sugar to activate the body’s sodium-glucose cellular uptake. I reach for one of these in the morning before my coffee now. I cannot tell you the difference that this has made in my mornings! I was so groggy and sluggish before- I had no idea that I was simply dehydrated. You can try Hydrant for yourself here or just click the pictures below. It’s like INSTANT hydration and I love it! It’s been compared to having IV fluids. The taste is refreshing and fruity, not too strong, not too sweet- and definitely not artificial.

SHOP HYDRANT

Hydrant also makes another version of their Rapid Hydration mix with added caffeine and L-Theanine. It’s called Hydrant +. If you get an afternoon slump each day- this is SO much better than that afternoon coffee! The caffeine is from organic green tea and you guys- this has really enhanced my focus and energy! I am so much more productive after drinking this in the afternoon. And the L-Theanine keeps you from feeling that jittery feeling that you sometimes get with caffeine. (This is also my choice for my workout drink) AND you are hydrating! It’s a win-win……..win. 😉 . Check it out here > Hydrant.

SHOP HYDRANT

I am drinking Hydrant first thing in the AM and then again at around 2 pm whether I am working out or not. It’s made a major difference in my energy levels all day long. I’m also much more conscious of how much water I’m drinking now. It’s actually been a much easier fix than I would have thought!

SHOP MY LOOK

Hydrating Foods

Try adding any and all of these into your day to help you boost your hydration: Strawberries, peaches, cantaloupe, oranges, blueberries, watermelon, grapefruit, cucumbers, spinach, peppers, mushrooms, lettuce, zucchini, tomatoes, broths and soups, yogurt, coconut water, cottage cheese and oatmeal!

Ways to Tell When you ARE Hydrated

1. Your urine should be a pale yellow.
2. You should be needing a bathroom break every few hours.
3. Pinch the skin on the lower part of your arm. If your skin snaps back right away you are hydrated.
4. Your breath. If you are dehydrated your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, causing a build-up of bacteria…..and bad breath. Ew.

I hope this post has been helpful to you. I honestly didn’t know how widespread dehydration was and I certainly didn’t think my groggy mornings and lack of energy in the afternoons had anything to do with needing hydration- but I’m feeling much better, so I wanted to tell you about it too!

Thanks for following along! Please find me on IG and FB too. You can pin this post if you think others might be interested – and thank you!

You may also like this post on skincare over 50 or this one on how to look younger and more vibrant today!