Drink, Drink, Drink...

Taking in enough fluid on a daily basis is essential for maintaining health for all ages, but it is particularly important for older people and the recommended minimum amount is eight cups or glasses of fluid per day. This is often difficult if you are not able physically to get your own drinks or have difficulty in swallowing or feeding yourself.

During the hot weather that we have been experiencing it’s even more important to drink enough as fluid is lost through sweating as well as when we breathe out, go to the toilet, cough, sneeze or cry. 

Not drinking enough can lead to many problems and even death. Without enough fluid your body cannot function properly or deal with waste products effectively. Mineral and salt levels will be altered and the normal balances within the blood will become dangerously high or low.

Major organs will become affected for example, the lack of fluid will prevent your kidneys from working effectively, your urine will be more concentrated and this in-turn will cause bladder irritation and infection.

With the imbalance of minerals and salts you may feel drowsy, lethargic; and you may become confused, disorientated or behave out of character.

Fluid in-take can vary from just drinking plain water although drinking plenty of water is good for you various things such as tea, coffee (in small quantities), squash added to water and fruit juice are all mostly water which would be classed as part of your daily recommended allowance.

 If you find is difficult to drink enough, consider things like ice lollies or water based fruits such as melon. Don’t forget milk and breakfast cereal will also count as will puddings, such as rice, sago or custards.