Trick Yourself into Drinking MORE Water
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted September 7, 2023
You probably know that drinking water is VITAL for good health.
But most folks DON’T know that the older you get, the more water you need.
There are various reasons why.
Plus, you can try some tasty tricks to ensure you DO get enough.
Dehydration is a leading cause of hospitalization in seniors. And a variety of things contribute to this.
In general, older bodies tend to lose water quicker than younger ones.
As we age, our internal thermostat doesn’t work quite as well as it once did. So, the heat may not always feel as oppressive to you as it would to a younger person.
At the same time, the part of your brain responsible for signaling that you NEED more water doesn’t function as well as you grow older.
Common prescription drugs can contribute, too. Medications like blood thinners can fool you into feeling that it’s cooler than it is. Even making you feel chilled on a hot day. So, you naturally drink less water.
Plus, certain drugs, such as diuretics, can cause you to lose even more water, often without realizing it.
All those reasons and more can make dehydration a significant concern for older folks.
If you find plain water unappealing, you’re not alone. In fact, taste is the MOST common objection I get when I tell people to drink more water.
But I always come prepared with some simple and tasty tricks to turn up the flavor of water.
- Infuse it with fruit: Add slices of fresh fruits like lemon, lime, orange, cucumber, strawberries, or berries to a pitcher of water. Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours for a delicious and refreshing twist.
- Add herbs and spices: Drop a few mint, basil, or cilantro sprigs into your water. Or try a dash of cinnamon, ginger, or muddled rosemary into your glass. Herbs and spices infuse your water with enticing aromas and flavors.
- Try citrus zest: Grate a small amount of citrus zest (such as lemon, lime, or orange) into your water. The essential oils in the rind add an addictive burst of citrus flavor.
- Use flavored ice cubes: Make ice cubes with fruit juice, herbal tea, or pureed fruit. They’ll subtly flavor your water as they melt, causing you to keep sipping.
- Steep herbal tea: Brew a cup of your favorite herbal tea, let it cool, and then mix it with plain water for a naturally flavored drink. Chamomile, hibiscus, mint, and fruity herbal teas work well for this.
Avoid those flavored water enhancers that are so popular lately. They’re typically packed with sugar or (WORSE) fake sugar.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? CLICK HERE to submit your question and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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