What Can Drinking Water Do For My Health?
Are you avoiding drinking fluids to manage incontinence?
Please don't! Counterintuitive, we know, but proper hydration is key to staying healthy. The human body is composed of 50-75% water.
Without water, the body’s many vital chemical reactions can not be sustained. We lose precious water through perspiration and expired air from the lungs.
Releasing water through these mechanisms helps to cool our bodies to prevent overheating – especially during increased physical activity.
If this fluid is not replaced, we eventually become dehydrated, increasing the risk for health complications.
Concentrated urine can reduce the absorbency of your incontinence product
Hydration helps absorbent products perform more effectively. Disposable briefs, or adult diapers, intended for overnight, or multi-void incontinence episodes actually work better on well-hydrated individuals.
Examples of incontinence briefs, or adult diapers:
Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) in incontinence products turns liquid into a gel to keep the skin dry. Concentrated urine contains molecules can interfere with this process, reducing the SAP’s effectiveness.
The products below are made with superabsorbent polymer to help reduce odour and lock away liquids, for drier skin with more comfort and discretion.
TENA ProSkin Stretch Briefs
TENA's reformulated ProSkin Stretch Briefs in Ultra (moderate to heavy incontinence) and Super (maximum incontinence protection, nighttime or extended wear) absorbency are made using TENA's ConfioAir 100% Breathable Technology, allowing humidity to evaporate to maintain skin natural moisture balance.
Protective Underwear
TENA also offers its ProSkin line in a pull up style designed for men or for women.
Help prevent dehydration in the elderly
If you are in this category, or caring for someone who is, know the signs and symptoms so you can recognize dehydration and take action.
Encourage fluids
This simple preventative action helps people stay healthy. It's a lot easier than managing the bad effects of dehydration.
Signs and symptoms of dehydration
- Decreased urine output
- Concentrated urine causing bladder irritation (dribbling)
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Weakness and fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Weight loss
- Falling
- Headache
- Increased confusion
Water and Wellness
Dehydration is the number one trigger of daytime fatigue. Research indicates that consuming 8 to 10 (8 oz.) glasses of water a day may help ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.
A mere 2% drop in hydration levels can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.
Proper hydration can help prevent bladder infections.
Studies indicate that men who consume more than 10 (8 oz.) glasses of water per day are less likely to develop bladder infections.
Water helps the body to eliminate waste through lubrication of the digestive tract. The added moisture helps to prevent constipation, restoring bowel function and reducing the need for laxatives.
Constipation is a serious issue in the elderly and a known risk factor for colon cancer.
Proper hydration is key to staying healthy!
- Cindy Clegg
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