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Should I Drink 8 Cups a Day?
This old rule has
zero science behind
it. But it’s fine as a
rough guide. The
amount you need to
drink depends on
how active you are,
where you live, and
your overall health. If you’re not sure you’re drinking enough, check the color of your pee. Clear or pale yellow means you’re all set. Darker means you need to drink up.
Symptoms in Older Kids and Adults
You might be thirsty,
and your mouth might feel
dry or sticky. You won’t pee
very often -- under 4 times a
day. When you do go, there
may not be much pee, and
it’ll be dark or have a strong
smell. You may feel dizzy or
lightheaded, and you may
pass out. As it gets worse, your thirst cranks up. Your breath- ing and heart rate may be faster than normal. You can over- heat, and you might feel confused or cranky.
Is Thirst a Sign I’m Dehydrated?
Yes, but no need to panic. By the time you get the urge to quench your thirst, you’re already a lit- tle dehydrated. As long as you pay attention and snag a drink when your body tells you to, it’s not a problem. For older adults, the lag might be a little longer.
Battling foggy brain? Happens to everyone, right? It begins with something small, like ‘where did I park the car?’ You may even realize that the day before may even feel like a blur. It’s almost like a smoke- screen, which you just can’t seem to punch through.
Now, researchers have shown in a very large study that effect is in- deed real and rooted in brain activity differences that show up on ad- vanced brain scans.
Improve cognitive function, enhance memory and prevent neu- rodegenerative diseases with these powerful brain-boosting foods.
1 Avocado
Rich in vitamin E. In case you didn’t already know, research states that the important antioxidant — containing monounsaturated fats which contributes to healthy blood flow — helps improve the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from foods, in turn, promoting healthy brain aging and delaying AD-related functional decline.
2 Celery
Boasts luteolin — a flavonoid antioxidant which aids in protecting the brain from inflammation, cognitive aging and neurodegenerative diseases — can enhance memory, learning and spatial awareness.
3 Cocoa
Rich in flavanols and antioxidants – both which have been proven to help boost overall brain function. According to a study published online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, “people who consumed medium and high amounts of cocoa flavanols every day made significant improvements on tests that measured attention, executive function, and memory.”
4Eggs
Loaded with choline, a type of B-vitamin proven to enhance memory and overall cognitive function. Think beef, fish, asparagus, collard greens and brussels sprouts – all great sources of the powerful nutrient.
5Salmon
Rich in omega-3 fats, has been linked to a reduction in age-related cog- nitive decline, Alzheimer’s and general improvement in mood. Experts rec- ommend a 4-ounce serving, two to three times per week.
4Spinach
It’s high in lutein, an antioxidant which protects the brain against free radicals and inflammation. The importance? Research shows that free radicals have been linked to mental decline in old age and is also a probable factor in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Good sources of lutein are kale, chard, collards and egg yolks.
7 Yogurt
A great source of probiotics. The live bacteria are beneficial for gut health. Studies have also shown that taking probiotic supplements may boost mood, lower stress, and anxiety.
How Lack of Water Affects You
More than half your body weight comes from water. So if your levels are off, it can show up in a surprising num- ber of ways. Mild dehydration can make you feel tired, give you a headache, and affect your mood and focus. And when you push yourself hard at the gym, all that sweating actually lowers how much blood you have for a bit.
Is Thirst a Sign I’m Dehydrated?
More than half your body
weight comes from water. So if
your levels are off, it can show
up in a surprising number of
ways. Mild dehydration can
make you feel tired, give you a
headache, and affect your
mood and focus. And when
you push yourself hard at the gym, all that sweating actu- ally lowers how much blood you have for a bit.
When to Call Your Doctor
When you see symptoms of severe dehydration, call your doctor right away. It can hit kids quickly, so it’s best to check in sooner rather than later. Signs include:
• Diarrhea for more than 24 hours • Feeling dizzy, confused, or faint
• Can’t keep fluids down
• No energy
• Fast heartbeat or breathing • Black or bloody poop
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 9-B