Football season is quickly approaching, and whether you’re pushing your limits on the field or spending hours cheering from the stands, proper hydration is key to performing – and feeling – your best. The summer heat, long days and physical exertion can take a serious toll on your body’s fluid levels, and the last thing you want is to experience dehydration. IV hydration therapy helps athletes and spectators alike stay ahead of the game by replenishing fluids quickly and effectively.
Why is hydration important?
Water is the most critical nutrient every human body needs – making up more than half of body weight, on average! Without water, no human can survive for more than a few days.
Water helps carry nutrients throughout the body, supporting cellular health and immune function. It also plays a key role in removing waste and expelling pathogens that can make you sick. And if you’re recovering from an illness, proper hydration can help speed that process.
What are the symptoms of dehydration?
Dehydration is a clinically significant problem. In fact, many hospital admissions and disease complications are tied to dehydration!
Symptoms of dehydration can range from mild to severe. Some common early signs include:
- Thirst – This is the first symptom of dehydration. Everyone is likely to experience thirst at some point. Respond to your body’s request for hydration!
- Dry mouth – As your body attempts to maintain its hydration if you’re not drinking enough, it may produce less saliva, resulting in that dry mouth feeling.
- Infrequent urination and/or dark-colored urine – If you’re properly hydrated, your urine should be light yellow or clear. If your body is dehydrated, your urine is more concentrated and appears darker in color.
Sometimes, dehydration is more severe, with symptoms including the following. If you experience the underlined symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
- Headache
- Muscle cramps or weakness
- Dizziness/lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion, irritability or “brain fog”
- Fainting
- Low blood pressure
What’s the best way to stay hydrated?
- Drink plenty of water. Drink extra if you also plan to have soft drinks or alcohol, which can have a dehydrating effect.
- Hydrate ahead of time. If you’re going to be sweating a lot, such as at a sporting event, hydrate the day before.
- Hydrate intravenously. Just like any nutrient, those delivered directly into your bloodstream can be absorbed more rapidly by your body. Pro Health’s Pure Hydration IV is an excellent choice if you need to hydrate in advance (like before a full day of tailgating); if you need to re-hydrate quickly; or if you struggle to maintain hydration and need a boost. This IV is the same one you might receive in the ER, but at a lower cost and with no wait!
Ready to hydrate? Book an appointment or walk in to any Pro Health location to speak with one of our nurse practitioners. Our caring providers will take time to understand your symptoms and concerns, and they’ll work with you to find the best treatment.