We all know hydration is important, but how do we make sure our body is getting the hydration it needs? Does staying hydrated mean drinking water only? Surprisingly, no.

Keeping yourself hydrated consists of more than just drinking water. Drinking water is still vital and is the main component of staying hydrated, but along with drinking water, there are also a few other ways to stay hydrated.

How To Stay Hydrated

1. Add some flavor to your water.

If you don’t like the plain taste of water, try adding some flavor by using fresh fruits or vegetable slices, or even water flavor enhancers. Just be careful if using flavor enhancers since most contain sugar or extra calories.

2. Sip water before every meal.

Taking sips of water before every meal will not only help you to stay hydrated throughout the day, but it will also aid in your weight loss journey. Drinking water doesn’t completely replace hunger, but it does help you to feel full and satiated.

3. Use the help of an app to track your intake.

Since our use of technology is ever-increasing, why not use it to help you stay hydrated? There are various apps that you can find to help you track how much water you drink a day. You can even create reminders, if need be, to help stay the course.

4. Drink sparkling or mineral water.

If you’re looking for something a little on the fizzy side, instead of soda, try drinking either sparkling or mineral water. This will give you the fizzy taste you’re looking for while keeping you healthy and hydrated.

5. Eat foods rich in water.

Change things up a bit and consume water-rich foods. There are certain vegetables, fruits, and even a few dairy products that are rich in water. Water-rich foods are a great aid to drinking water.

Not only will you remain hydrated throughout the day, but you will also reap the benefits of the added nutrients and minerals.

In case you are wondering, here is a list of water-rich foods:

6. Utilize a marked water bottle.

Marked water bottles are a fun way to keep track of how much water you’re drinking visually. Whether you prefer the measurements to be in ounces, time of the day, or both, marked water bottles have you covered.

7. Carry a bottle of water with you.

Carrying a bottle of water with you is an excellent practice to obtain your daily water intake. This seemingly simple practice can help you to stay hydrated even when running errands or preparing meals.

It may be a bit challenging at first, but after a while, carrying a bottle of water with you everywhere you go will be natural.

8. Be mindful when drinking caffeinated drinks and alcohol.

Yes, caffeinated drinks and alcohol are liquids, but neither are helpful when it comes to hydration. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol are both diuretics, causing you to urinate more frequently. Frequent urination leads to you losing more water from your body.

The more water you lose, the less hydrated you become, which is why it is important to be mindful and even limit your caffeine and alcohol intake. Or, at least, drink more water when partaking in caffeine and alcohol to replenish the liquids that have been lost.

9. Pay attention to the color of your urine.

One conventional way of keeping track of your hydration is to pay attention to your urine color. If your urine has a slight yellowish tint, this lets you know that your hydration levels are good. Now, if your urine is a burnt orange or amber color, this is a sign that you need to drink more water.

10. Invest in a water filter or a new reusable water bottle.

Water filters and reusable water bottles are a cost-effective way to stay hydrated. Instead of continuously spending money on bottled water, you can get more use out of water filters, pitchers, and reusable bottles.

You’ll have to replace the filters every so often, but you’ll be able to use these items more than once, which is more wallet-friendly.

Conclusion

Keeping yourself hydrated daily is very important. Even though drinking water is a great way to stay hydrated, daily hydration doesn’t have to be boring. If you get tired of drinking plain water, try something new by testing some of the practices mentioned.

Remember, we lose water when we sweat, go to the bathroom, and sometimes through breathing. And living in a high-temperature state increases the need for hydration. So, it’s important to stay on top of your hydration levels by replenishing any lost fluids.

If you have any questions or concerns about staying hydrated, or even about dehydration, contact your healthcare provider. He or she will be able to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

If you feel that you’re in need of urgent care due to dehydration, drop by one of our 10 locations or click here to make a Telemedicine appointment. 

The post 10 Easy Ways To Stay Hydrated appeared first on Quick Med Care.

Secondary headaches are a symptom of something else happening in your body. This means that if a condition triggers these headaches continuously, the headaches can become chronic symptoms. In most cases, handling the cause of the headache will also cure the headache itself.

Sinus/Allergy Headaches

Sinus headaches are caused by mucus build up in your sinus cavities and increasing pressure. An allergic reaction can sometimes cause this reaction. 

Generally, the pain from these headaches happens in the sinus areas on your forehead and around your cheekbones. Treatment consists of thinning out the mucus that builds, whether with nasal steroid sprays, decongestants, or antihistamines.

These headaches can be caused by a sinus infection, which can be treated by your doctor with prescribed antibiotics to clear the infection.

Hormone and Hypertension

Though these headaches may be secondary by nature, that doesn’t mean that the source isn’t from your own body. Fluctuations in our bodies’ natural systems can lead to headaches as well.

Women experience hormonal headaches due to fluctuations in estrogen levels. These headaches can occur before, during, or right after menses, as well as during ovulation. Menstruation, birth control pills, and pregnancy can all affect your estrogen levels, leading to hormonal headaches.

Another internal cause of headaches is hypertension or high blood pressure. This kind of headache signals an emergency due to it occurring when your blood pressure is dangerously high.

Usually occurring on both sides of your head and will feel worse with any activity and often feels pulsating. You may notice blurred vision, tingling or numbness, nosebleeds, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

Seek immediate medical attention if you feel you are experiencing a hypertension headache. They will generally go away soon after your blood pressure is under control and shouldn’t occur as long as your blood pressure stays managed.

Caffeine and Rebound Headaches

Some outside sources or stimulants cause headaches, or in some cases, it’s a lack of a source that causes a headache.

Caffeine headaches can be caused by having too much or too little caffeine compared to their regular use. It affects your brain’s blood flow, so when you give your brain a certain amount of the stimulant a day, it will adjust accordingly and expect it. Caffeine changes your brain chemistry, and withdrawal from it can trigger a headache.

Keeping your caffeine intake at a steady, reasonable level, or quitting it entirely, can prevent headaches.

Overuse of medication causes rebound headaches. Those who suffer from these headaches often take OTC medications, like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, and Naproxen, for more than 15 days out of the month. These headaches feel like a dull, tension-type headache and can cause more intense pain, similar to the pain experienced with a migraine.

Overuse of these OTC medications leads to more headaches rather than fewer. The only treatment for rebound headaches is to wean yourself off of the medication you have been taking. It may feel worse initially, but it should subside after a few days.

Generally, episodic headaches will go away within a couple of days. If you experience any headaches that last for more than two days, you should seek medical assistance.

As well as if you are experiencing headaches for more than 15 days out of the month for a few months, you may have a chronic condition. See your doctor to try and find out the cause, even if you can manage the pain. Headaches can be a symptom of a more severe condition and may require more than some OTC medications to treat.

If you are experiencing a headache that just won’t quit, drop by one of our 10 locations or click here to schedule a Telemedicine appointment. 

The post Secondary Headaches: What Exactly Are they? appeared first on Quick Med Care.