Water: Your everyday energy drink
August 14, 2023
Benefits of staying well hydrated
Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, Wis. – A human adult brain and heart are composed of 73 percent water; the lungs are 83 percent, and the skin contains about 64 percent water. Even the bones contain water – 31 percent. That’s why health professionals at HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals are reminding you about the importance of staying well hydrated.
“Water is essential for our bodies to function properly,” says Regi Geissler, registered nurse and emergency department manager at HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals. “From helping you look and feel your best to improving your overall physical and mental health, drinking enough water daily can have a big positive impact in your life.”
Choose water
Many people reach for beverage options like sports drinks to hydrate during or after high-intensity activities because of they contain added carbohydrates, minerals and electrolytes. Other popular drinks are soda, fruit drinks and energy drinks, however, these also contain sugar, calories or caffeine. Water is always the best option.
Sugary drinks are the leading source of added sugars in the American diet. Those who drink sugary drinks are more likely to face health problems, such as weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cavities.
Geissler recommends the following simple steps to increase your water intake without the added sugar:
“Water is essential for our bodies to function properly,” says Regi Geissler, registered nurse and emergency department manager at HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals. “From helping you look and feel your best to improving your overall physical and mental health, drinking enough water daily can have a big positive impact in your life.”
Choose water
Many people reach for beverage options like sports drinks to hydrate during or after high-intensity activities because of they contain added carbohydrates, minerals and electrolytes. Other popular drinks are soda, fruit drinks and energy drinks, however, these also contain sugar, calories or caffeine. Water is always the best option.
Sugary drinks are the leading source of added sugars in the American diet. Those who drink sugary drinks are more likely to face health problems, such as weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cavities.
Geissler recommends the following simple steps to increase your water intake without the added sugar:
- Carry a refillable water bottle.
- Set reminders on your phone if you need a nudge to drink throughout the day.
- Choose water when eating out. It saves money and calories.
- Drink a glass of water before you consume a meal. Besides helping with hydration, it will help you feel fuller so you will eat less.
- Add fruit slices such as pineapple, watermelon or lemon, or vegetables and herbs, like cucumber or mint.
- Make flavored ice cubes with 100% fruit juice, unsweetened tea or chopped fruit.
- Choose seltzer or sparkling water over juices and sugary beverages.
- Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables, such as melons and tomatoes.
Benefits of drinking water
Water regulates body temperature, lubricates and cushions joints and protects organs. Cells need water to transport nutrients. Wastes and toxins are flushed out through sweat, urine and bowel movements—all of which require water.
Drinking enough water can also affect mental health. Being well hydrated provides what a person needs to stay alert, focused and productive throughout the day.
Are you dehydrated?
Dehydration occurs when a person loses more fluids than they take in. Drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks can also cause you to lose water. Be sure to increase your fluid intake in hot weather, when you increase your physical activity and when you are sick - especially with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea and fever.
Signs of dehydration may include:
- Extreme thirst
- Dry or sticky mouth
- Less sweat than usual
- Dark-colored urine or no urine at all
- Dry skin
- Digestive problems
- Headaches or dizziness
If you suspect significant dehydration, seek medical attention immediately. The emergency departments at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, 900 W. Clairemont Ave. in Eau Claire and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, 2661 Co. Hwy. I in Chippewa Falls are open 24/7.
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About HSHS St. Joseph’s HospitalHSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital is sponsored by Hospital Sisters Ministries, the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is the Founding Institute, and it is an affiliate of Hospital Sisters Health System. Since 1885, it has served the people of the Chippewa Falls area with health care that is high tech and high touch. Known locally for the quality of the care it provides patients, the hospital has been recognized nationally for its outstanding patient satisfaction levels.
About HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital
HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital is sponsored by Hospital Sisters Ministries, the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is the Founding Institute, and it is an affiliate of Hospital Sisters Health System. Since 1889, it has been meeting patient needs in western Wisconsin with the latest medical innovations and technology, together with a Franciscan whole-person healing tradition.
About Hospital Sisters Health System
Hospital Sisters Health System’s (HSHS) mission is to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through our high quality, Franciscan health care ministry. HSHS provides state-of-the-art health care to our patients and is dedicated to serving all people, especially the most vulnerable, at each of our 15 Local Systems and physician practices in Illinois (Breese, Decatur, Effingham, Greenville, Highland, Litchfield, O’Fallon, Shelbyville and Springfield) and Wisconsin (Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Oconto Falls, Sheboygan, and two in Green Bay). HSHS is sponsored by Hospital Sisters Ministries, and Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is the founding institute. For more information about HSHS, visit www.hshs.org. For more information about Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, visit www.hospitalsisters.org.
Media Contact
Karen Kraus
Communications Department HSHS Wisconsin