Most people know that eating healthy and taking their medicine are important. But did you know that drinking enough water is just as important?
Water helps your body do many important jobs. It keeps your body working the way it should and helps you stay healthy.
💧 Why Does Your Body Need Water?
Your body is made up of mostly water. Every day, you lose water when you breathe, sweat, and go to the bathroom. That’s why it’s important to drink water every day.
Drinking enough water helps your body:
- 💙 Keep a normal body temperature
- 💙 Help your kidneys clean your blood
- 💙 Keep your joints moving easily
- 💙 Help your stomach digest food
- 💙 Carry nutrients and oxygen through your body
If you don’t drink enough water, you may become dehydrated.
🚨 What Is Dehydration?
Dehydration happens when your body loses more water than it takes in.
Even mild dehydration can make you feel:
- 😴 Tired
- 🥤 Thirsty
- 😵 Dizzy
- 🤕 Have a headache
- 🦵 Get muscle cramps
- 😕 Feel confused, especially if you’re older
⚠️ Not Everyone Should Drink the Same Amount of Water
Important: If you have heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease, ask your healthcare provider how much water is right for you. The right amount is different for everyone, so general advice may not be right for your situation.
💊 Medicines That Can Affect Hydration
Some medicines can change how your body uses water or make it easier to become dehydrated.
💊 Diuretics (“Water Pills”)
These medicines help your body get rid of extra water and salt. They can sometimes cause dehydration or low levels of important minerals.
💊 Laxatives
Using laxatives too often can cause your body to lose too much water.
💊 Blood Pressure Medicines
Some blood pressure medicines, especially when taken with water pills, can increase the risk of dehydration.
💊 Anticholinergic Medicines
These medicines can make you sweat less, making it harder for your body to cool off in hot weather.
💊 Lithium
If you take lithium, it’s important to drink about the same amount of water every day. Not drinking enough water can make lithium levels become too high and unsafe.
💊 Some Antidepressants
Some antidepressants can affect how your body controls its temperature or, in rare cases, cause your body to hold on to too much water.
🔍 Signs You May Be Dehydrated
Watch for these common signs:
- 🚽 Dark yellow urine
- 👄 Dry mouth or dry lips
- 🥤 Feeling very thirsty
- 🤕 Headache
- 😴 Feeling tired
- 😵 Feeling dizzy when standing up
- 🦵 Muscle cramps
- 😕 Confusion
If you have severe dizziness, confusion, a fast heartbeat, or cannot keep fluids down because of vomiting, seek medical care right away.
🚰 Easy Ways to Stay Hydrated
Here are a few simple tips:
✔ Carry a reusable water bottle.
✔ Drink water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
✔ Eat foods that contain a lot of water, such as:
- 🍉 Watermelon
- 🥒 Cucumbers
- 🍊 Oranges
- 🍓 Strawberries
- 🥬 Lettuce
✔ Drink more fluids during hot weather, while exercising, or when you’re sick—if your healthcare provider says it’s okay.
✔ Try to limit alcohol and sugary drinks.
👵 Older Adults Should Be Extra Careful
As we get older, we may not feel thirsty as often. Older adults are also more likely to take medicines that affect hydration.
Family members and caregivers should watch for signs like confusion, weakness, unusual tiredness, or not urinating as often. These may be signs of dehydration.
👩⚕️ Ask Your Pharmacist
Your pharmacist is here to help!
Talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider if:
- 💊 You take medicines that can affect hydration.
- 🆕 You’re starting a new medicine.
- 🤢 You’ve been vomiting or have diarrhea.
- ❤️ You have heart, kidney, or liver disease.
- 💧 You’re not sure how much water you should drink.
If you take medicines that affect hydration, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider how much water is right for you. This is especially important during hot weather, while exercising, or when you’re sick.
❤️ The Bottom Line
Drinking enough water is one of the easiest things you can do to help your body stay healthy. Staying hydrated can help you feel your best every day.
At Mountain Care Pharmacy, we’re here to answer your questions about your medications and your health. If you’re unsure whether your medicines affect hydration or how much water you should be drinking, stop by or give us a call. We’re always happy to help!
💙 Stay hydrated. Stay healthy.
