Sweating along with the thirst reflex are your body’s last responses to overheating (yes, I know my fellow nurses are aware of this), but for some crazy reason we use them as a marker for when and how often we should drink fluids. It’s a standing joke at work right now that I’m well hydrated. I drink close to 3 quarts of fluid during my typical 12 hour shift (along with the occasional cup or two of coffee- yes, I have my vices). I drink so much so often that my visits to the restroom are now a source of ‘ribbing’. 3 quarts of water have to go somewhere!
*clearing my throat* — anyway!
With all that being said, do you know how to measure if you are properly hydrated? There is a cheap and easy way to figure it out. Ironically I blogged about it quite some time ago on my personal blog. Check it out:
So we all know about the recommended daily intake of water. Somewhere around 8 glasses of water. Their are a ton of websites and tons of information on how much and what kind of water you should drink. Then you have the bottled water vs. tap water debate. I think it’s safe to say we all know the benefits of water.
The
So it’s safe to say drinking water is good for the body. Drinking more will definitely hydrate your body. As to how much and how often we won’t debate (at least not today on this post)
I wanted to talk about how to monitor or measure your body’s hydration. I want to share a quick-fast and easy way to determine if your currently hydrated and how to measure if your hydrating yourself adequately. Now this lil’ trick does not exist in a bubble and is in no way a substitute for true medical advice and medical analysis, but it’s an easy and inexpensive trick.
It’s really simple. Look at the color of your urine. Is it dark or light? I really don’t care about the shade of yellow or amber, but more importantly how clear is it? Is it really dark or does is it almost take on the consistency of… uuhhmm I don’t know … water?
The more hydrated you are, the closer your urine will look like water. Pretty simple huh? How can you forget that one!?
Now there are some important facts to note while using this little trick:
This is great for determining your level of hydration as well as monitoring if your ‘becoming’ hydrated. Is all that water helping you hydrate? It also lets you know just how dehydrated you really were.
So, how hydrated are you?
I guarantee you’ll never visit the restroom the same again. Isn’t nursing fun!?
How do I know I’m hydrated? Originally posted on My Strong Medicine
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