Elder Care near Boynton Beach, FL: Does Coffee and Tea Count towards Hydration?
Scientists used to think drinking coffee with high levels of caffeine caused the body to lose water. Recent discoveries have proven tea and coffee to be a great way of providing the fluids which are necessary to keep the body hydrated. When counting up how many glasses of water you drink on a daily basis, WebMD has this to say, “Coffee and tea also count in your tally. Many used to believe they were dehydrating, but that myth has been debunked. The diuretic effect does not offset hydration.”
People still need to be careful of the amount of coffee they drink each day, as it contains caffeine which is not healthy in large amounts. The recommended limit of coffee is about three small cups a day. With tea the limit isn’t so strict. Black and green tea aren’t as high in caffeine as coffee is, and herbal tea is caffeine-free which makes it a premium choice for hydration.
Alcohol, on the other hand, is a totally different story.
“Alcohol is a huge dehydrator, says White. You should try to limit your intake, but if you are going to raise a glass, aim for at least a one-to-one ratio with water.” http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/healthy-beverages
Alcohol isn’t recommended for seniors because of their slower metabolism and the negative effects that usually occur. Alcohol also interferes with many different types of medications, creating a dangerous mix. It’s important for seniors to contact their doctor first to find out if alcohol consumption is safe for them or not, depending on their conditions and which medications they are currently taking.
Water still remains the best fluid to hydrate your body with. For those who don’t care for the taste of plain water, try adding the juice of a lemon to it, or drop in a few raspberries and a mint leaf or two. Let sit for a while to infuse.
Here are some signs of dehydration. Your senior may be:
- Tired
- Cranky
- Moody
- Have a headache
For your elderly loved one, it’s essential to stay hydrated. If you are unsure she is getting enough water to drink, encourage her to keep a log of what she drinks. You can look at this over a number of days and then make a plan of how she can increase her water intake if necessary. Some experts suggest using a drinking bottle with specific measurements to keep track of water consumption over the course of the day.
If you need help with the everyday tasks for your senior loved one, consider hiring elderly home care. A loving caregiver can help keep track of hydration, which is so important. They can also assist with all your parent’s other needs which may include bathing, getting dressed, and preparing meals and more.
If you or a family member near Boynton Beach, FL , are in need of senior care services to help relieve caregiver stress, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today (631) 423-6689. Providing Service in Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Delray Beach, Coconut Creek, Taramac, Margate, and surrounding Florida cities.
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