
14 Surprising Causes Of Dehydration
TIME Health For more, visit TIME Health. Your body is about 60% water. Lose even 1.5% of that H2O—the tipping point for mild dehydration—and your mood, energy levels, and cognitive function all drop, according to research from the University of Connecticut. And while there are obvious reasons you can end up dehydrated—a sunny day, exercise, or not drinking enough in general—other triggers are less obvious. Check out these 14 surprising causes of dehydration and how to prevent them. Diabetes People with diabetes—especially people who don’t yet realize they have it—are at increased risk for dehydration. When levels of sugar in the blood are too high, the body tries to get rid off the excess glucose through increased urine output, says Robert Kominiarek, DO, a board-certified family physician in Ohio. All of those extra trips to the bathroom can be dehydrating. If you’re diabetic and suffer from frequent thirst or urination, talk to your doctor about how you can work together to improve your blood sugar control. And if you’re experiencing excessive thirst along with these other type 2 diabetes symptoms, it’s time to pay a visit to your doctor. Your period Is it that time of the month? Drink an extra glass of water. Estrogen and progesterone influence your body’s hydration levels, and when the two are roller-coastering, like when you’re in the throes of PMS, you may need to increase your fluid intake to stay hydrated, Dr. Kominiarek says. What’s more, for some women who have excessively heavy periods, the amount of blood lost is enough to deplete fluid levels, says OB-GYN Marielena Guerra, MD, of Elite OB/GYN in Florida. If you think the latter might be you, start counting your tampons. If you have to change them more than once every two hours, tal Continue reading >>

Best And Worst Drinks For Type 2 Diabetes
1 / 8 Best and Worst Drinks for Type 2 Diabetes If you have type 2 diabetes, you know it's important to watch what you eat — and the types of drinks you consume. Drinks that are high in carbohydrates and calories can affect both your weight and your blood sugar. "Generally speaking, you want your calories and carbs to come from whole foods, not from drinks," says Nessie Ferguson, RD, CDE, a nutritionist at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. The best drinks have either zero or very few calories, and deciding on a beverage isn't really difficult. "When it comes right down to it, good beverage choices for type 2 diabetes are good choices for everyone," she says. Some good drinks for type 2 diabetes include: Water Fat-free or low-fat milk Black coffee Unsweetened tea (hot or iced) Flavored water (zero calories) or seltzer But sugary soda is one of the worst types of drinks for type 2 diabetes, according to the Mayo Clinic. The problems with soda include: Empty calories. Soft drinks are very high in sugar, have zero nutritional value, and are often used in place of healthy drinks such as milk. Cavities. The high sugar combined with the acid in soda dissolves tooth enamel, which increases the risk of cavities. Weight gain. Sugary sodas have about 10 teaspoons of sugar per 12-ounce can. Boosts risk of diabetes and risk of complications for those who have diabetes. Some people with type 2 diabetes continue to drink alcohol, but you should be aware that any alcohol consumption may result in dangerously low blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours. That’s why it’s important to check your blood sugar often and get your doctor's okay before you drink alcohol. People with diabetes should only consume alcohol if their diabetes is well controlled and should always wear a medical Continue reading >>

Why You Should Drink More Water If You Have Diabetes
While everyone talks about the right diet and foods that a diabetic should eat, nobody gives any emphasis on the water intake for diabetic patients. Know that fluid intake is equally important for diabetics. That being said, sugary fruit juices or colas don’t fall into the category of healthy liquids for diabetics. ‘In fact, a diabetic patient who doesn’t suffer from any other health condition, can drink as much water as he needs. Remember, drinking water will also help to limit the intake of other high caloric juices and colas, which in a way will keep your blood sugar in check,’ says Dr Pradeep Gadge diabetologist, Shreya Diabetes Centre, Mumbai. There are a few vegetables too that diabetics should eat. In fact, a recent study showed that drinking adequate water over other liquids like tea, coffee or sweetened and unsweetened beverages helped to keep blood sugar level under control. People who drank less that 0.5 litre of water each day needed more therapeutic and preventive measures in place to keep their blood sugar under control [1]. Here is an ideal diet plan to follow if you have diabetes. How much is too much? When it comes to drinking water here are few rules a diabetic should follow: Drink 1 ml of water per calorie consumed, which means if your caloric intake in 2000 your water intake should be 2000 ml or 2 litre. There is no harm if you exceed your water intake to even 3 litre, given that you do not have problems like kidney diseases or have medications that can influence your frequency of urination. If you are taking diuretics for one or the other health conditions, limit your water intake to the regular 8 to 10 glasses else you might be visiting the restroom every hour. Diabetics with chronic kidney problems can limit their water intake to 1000 ml a Continue reading >>

Beverage Dos And Don'ts For Diabetes
To successfully manage type 2 diabetes, plan your beverages as carefully as you plan your food choices. That typically means taking sugary drinks — such as soda, sweet tea, and even juice — off the table. You might be surprised at how much a single drink can affect you when you have type 2 diabetes. Drinking just one soda a day is associated with developing type 2 diabetes, according to 2013 research in the journal PLoS One. When you are faced with so many new constraints on sugar and other carbs after a diabetes diagnosis, you may be left asking, “What can I still drink?” Fortunately, there’s a variety of refreshing, flavorful beverages you can enjoy, says Katherine Basbaum, RD, a clinical dietitian in the Cardiology and Cardiac Rehabilitation departments at the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville. Before you take your next sip, here are the top drinking dos and don’ts for those with diabetes. Do Drink: Water Water is one of the few beverages you can drink without worry throughout the day and a great way to stay hydrated. If you often forget to drink as much water as you should, Basbaum has a suggestion for increasing your intake: Drink one 8-ounce glass of water for every other beverage you drink that contains sugar substitutes or caffeine. Shake things up with sparkling water or by squeezing lemon or lime juice into your glass. Do Drink: Skim Milk “Skim or low-fat milk is also a good beverage option, but it must be counted toward your carb total for a particular meal or snack,” Basbaum says. Cow’s milk also provides protein and calcium. Be aware that non-dairy options, such as almond milk, may have added sweeteners and flavorings. Don’t Drink: Sugar-Sweetened Soda or Tea “Sugar-sweetened drinks are absorbed into your bloodstr Continue reading >>

How Much Water Should A Diabetic Drink?
Eight to 10 cups of liquid daily is preferred, but it doesn't have to be "straight water": A decent bowl of homemade broth will serve as part of that quota nicely. Have a cup or two of fruity or mint herbal tea between meals, too. I would also advocate nutritious shakes as well. Here is a diabetic breakfast shake great for anyone- BLEND : 1 cup Non sweetened nut milk with 1/3 cup liquid pasteurized egg OR 1 scoop protein powder ( 1/4 cup quinoa flour will do, though it's a bit pricey), with 1/2 cup frozen fruit- whatever happens to be on sale or reasonable: Puree in blender. Some folks add nutmeg, cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla or fruit favoring extract- that's entirely optional. Continue reading >>

How Much Water Should A Type 2 Diabetic Drink?
A study published in Diabetes Care, a publication of the American Diabetes Association, suggests that drinking water reduces the complications of type 2 diabetes. But, the question is how much water should a type 2 diabetic drink? The best way to figure out the specific amount of water to be taken is by consulting a doctor. If a doctor doesn’t specify the amount of water intake necessary, a diabetic's water requirement is the same as of any healthy individual. Water Requirements of a Type 2 Diabetic The Institute of Medicine recommends 3 litres of water for diabetic men and 2.2 litres of water for type 2 diabetic women. The water requirement could also be met with other beverages i.e. other that drinking water. Health experts recommend consumption of caffeinated and carbonated beverages to be minimum, though herbal teas, such as green tea, work well for hydration. What Research Says A research conducted at the International Chair on Cardiometabolic Risk (ICCR) found that overconsumption of sugar-sweetened beverages plays a significant role in worsening diabetes complications. According to the study, taking care of what and how much to drink is as important as managing diet. Health experts opine that water is the most healthful way of keeping self hydrated as it contains no calories, additives or ingredients. French scientists examined 3,000 healthy men and women within the age group of 30 to 65 for a decade. All the subjects had normal blood sugar levels when the assessment began. After nine years, 800 developed type 2 diabetes or high blood sugar. It was found that those who consumed 17 to 34 ounces of water a day lowered the risk by 30 per cent than those who drank the least. How do Type 2 Diabetics Stay Hydrated? Type 2 diabetics experience thirst more frequently t Continue reading >>

13 Diabetes Myths That Don't Lower Blood Sugar
Skipping meals could potentially push your blood glucose higher. When you don't eat for several hours because of sleep or other reasons, your body fuels itself on glucose released from the liver. For many people with type 2 diabetes (PWDs type 2), the liver doesn't properly sense that the blood has ample glucose already, so it continues to pour out more. Eating something with a little carbohydrate signals the liver to stop sending glucose into the bloodstream and can tamp down high numbers. Skipping meals can also lead to overeating, which can cause an increase in weight. And if you take certain diabetes medications that stimulate the body's own insulin such as common sulfonylureas, or you take insulin with injections or a pump, you risk having your blood glucose drop too low when you skip or delay meals. Going Low-Carb Low-carb diets "are not balanced and deprive the body of needed fiber, vitamins, and minerals," says Constance Brown-Riggs, M.S.Ed, R.D., CDE, CDN, author of The African American Guide to Living Well with Diabetes (Career Press, 2010). Recently, Brown-Riggs counseled a PWD type 2 who ate very little carbohydrate. The result: poor energy and severe headaches. Brown-Riggs helped the person balance out his meal plan by suggesting fruits, grains, and other carb-containing foods. "His headaches subsided, his energy level was restored, and he was happy to learn that he could eat healthy sources of carbohydrate and manage his blood glucose levels successfully," Brown-Riggs says. The keys to success are to manage portions of all foods, spread your food out over your day, and work with your health care team to devise an individualized meal, activity, and medication plan. Eating Pasta Al Dente It is best to eat your spaghetti al dente, says David J. A. Jenkins, M. Continue reading >>

How Much Water Should A Type 2 Diabetic Drink?
The Mayo Clinic has reported that recommended daily water intake is influenced by climate, exercise and health factors. The best way to know the specific amount of water that a diabetic should consume is by consulting a doctor. Nevertheless, there are a few guidelines all people can follow concerning hydration. Benefits of Water Water supports all of your body's functions. If your body is not properly hydrated, it is not able to work at full capacity. Being fully hydrated will boost energy and help raise your metabolic rate. A diabetic's body does not always work at its full potential, and fatigue can be a common ailment. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent fatigue and improve your body's physical performance. Water is especially useful for hydration for a diabetic because water has no calories, no fat and no cholesterol, things a diabetic needs to avoid. Required Water Consumption According to the American Diabetic Association, unless otherwise specified by a personal physician, a diabetic's daily water intake requirement is the same as a that of a healthy person. The Institute of Medicine suggests that men drink about 13 cups, or 3 liters, of liquid a day; women should drink about 9 cups, or 2.2 liters. This amount includes water and other beverages. However, carbonated drinks and caffeinated drinks should be kept at a minimum. Opt instead for herbal teas or water to help keep the body hydrated. Herbal teas and water are always the best choice for the diabetic. Ways to Stay Hydrated Begin by drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. An 8-ounce glass is equal to a cup, and 8 cups is about 1.9 liters. Remember that this is only a starting point for meeting your daily fluid requirements. When tracking daily water consumption, keep in mind that many common hous Continue reading >>

The Low Carb Diabetic: How Much Water Should You Drink Per Day?
Please check out our website www.lowcarbdiabetic.co.uk We created and maintain this site without any help from anyone else. In doing so, we do not receive direct or indirect funding from anyone. We do not accept money or favours to manipulate the evidence in any way. Please visit our Low Carb food and recipe blogwww.lowcarbdietsandrecipes.blogspot.com "The body is about 60% water, give or take. Were constantly losing water from our bodies, primarily via urine and sweat. There are many different opinions on how much water we should be drinking every day. The health authorities commonly recommend eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon. This is called the 88 rule and is very easy to remember. However, there are other health gurus who think were always on the brink of dehydration and that we need to sip on water constantly throughout the day even when were not thirsty. As with most things, this depends on the individual and there are many factors (both internal and external) that ultimately affect our need for water. Id like to take a look at some of the studies on water intake and how it affects the function of the body and brain, then explain how to easily match water intake to individual needs. Can More Water Increase Energy Levels and Improve Brain Function? Many people claim that if we dont stay hydrated throughout the day, our energy levels and brain function can start to suffer. There are actually plenty of studies to support this. Bottom Line: Mild dehydration caused by exercise or heat can have negative effects on both physical and mental performance. Does Drinking a Lot of Water Help You Lose Weight? There are many claims about water intake having an effect on body weight that more water can increase metabolism and reduce appetite. B Continue reading >>

Water Therapy To Fight Diabetes
Doctors tell us that once a diabetic, always a diabetic. There is no cure for it. We should be prepared to take medicines for life long. The problem with diabetes is – it doesn’t come alone. It starts affecting each part gradually, causing other diseases. Finally we become dejected and frustrated in life. If you have been diagnosed as borderline diabetes fear not. Good news is that there may be many natural ways to cure diabetes. The first and most important one is water. We can fight diabetes with water and natural life style. Natural Life Style guides us how to lead our life all the 24 hours of the day. CAUSE OF DIABETES What is the reason for becoming a diabetic? Is it not because we drifted away from Nature? How do we mend it? Only by following Natural methods. We commit many mistakes in mattes of our body right from the time we wake up to the time we go to bed. WATER THERAPY TO FIGHT DIABETES If we wish to avert these mistakes we should refine some of our habits like drinking water, eating food, cooking food, excretory action, doing exercise or taking rest. Diabetes can be brought under control just by following Natural Life Style. We don’t have to take medicines or take any treatment, as long as we follow this good life style. We will not be affected by diabetes again. We have observed remarkable improvement in the conditions of diabetic patients. We ourselves are astonished at the easy way the diabetes is cured totally. But the tragedy is people are unaware of such an easy treatment for diabetes. If all of us make this Natural Life Style as our life style, we can totally eradicate diabetes. We can drive it away from the world completely. The good news for the diabetic patients is – you can cure diabetes yourself, sitting at home and at no expense. So don Continue reading >>

What Can I Drink If I Have Diabetes?
Having diabetes means that you have to be aware of everything you eat or drink. Knowing the amount of carbohydrates you ingest and how they may affect your blood sugar is crucial. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends zero-calorie or low-calorie drinks. The main reason is to prevent a spike in blood sugar. Choosing the right drinks can help you avoid unpleasant side effects, manage your symptoms, and maintain a healthy weight. Water Unsweetened tea Unsweetened coffee Sugar-free fruit juice Low-fat milk Zero- or low-calorie drinks are typically your best bet when choosing a drink. Squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice into your drink for a refreshing, low-calorie kick. Whether you’re at home or at a restaurant, here are the most diabetes-friendly beverage options. 1. Water When it comes to hydration, water is the best option for people with diabetes. That’s because it won’t raise your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can cause dehydration. Drinking enough water can help your body eliminate excess glucose through urine. Women should drink approximately 8 glasses of water each day, while men should drink about 10 glasses. If plain water doesn’t appeal to you, create some variety by: adding slices of lemon, lime, or orange adding sprigs of flavourful herbs, such as mint, basil, or lemon balm crushing a couple of fresh or frozen raspberries into your drink 2. Tea Research has shown that green tea has a positive effect on your general health. It can also help reduce your blood pressure and lower your LDL cholesterol levels. Some research suggests that drinking up to six cups a day may lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. However, more research is needed. Whether you choose green, black, or herbal tea, you should avoid sweeteners. For a refreshi Continue reading >>

Have Enough Water For Good Heath?
Like many people with diabetes, Gayle Hoover Thorne of Sacramento, California, was led to her type 2 diagnosis by water—or rather, the feeling that she couldn’t get enough of it. Thorne sought her doctor’s help because she was “sleeping all the time and thirsty.” When a person with diabetes overindulges in carbohydrates, they will soon experience a terrific thirst. “I can only assume that the water taken for that thirst helps dilute the sugars and flush them out,” says Thorne. Actually, thirst arises because the body is already drawing on its existing supply of water to flush out those sugars, which cannot pass out on their own. Instead, they siphon water out of the body. “When blood sugar goes up, it starts a diuretic effect, resulting in excessive water loss,” the reason frequent urination is another common diabetes symptom, says Robert Meloni, MD, and fellow of the American College of Endocrinology. “This leads to dehydration and excessive thirst, which is unrelieved until the blood sugar is lowered—then water replenishment will help.” With water estimated to make up 70 percent of our body weight (and 85 percent of our brain), everyone needs to drink adequate amounts to avoid dehydration. For those with diabetes, it’s especially essential, with water at the root of almost every preventive lifestyle measure. Going with the Flow As Thorne learned more about her diabetes, she also learned more about the benefits of water. “We know it’s important to get enough, but the VHL Family Alliance described in its March 2001 Forum Research Report that 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated, and in 37 percent, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger,” says Thorne. “Even mild dehydration will slow down the b Continue reading >>

How Soda Impacts Diabetes Risk
Sweetened sodas are hugely popular throughout America. Because they are consumed in such volume, any negative health effects should be thoroughly investigated. In this article, we ask whether soda does indeed increase the risk of diabetes. The average can of soda is roughly 20 ounces and contains 15-18 teaspoons of sugar and more than 240 calories. These high levels of quick-digesting carbs do not lower calorie intake at mealtimes. In other words, they are an addition to the daily calorie intake, rather than a replacement. In modern society, the effects of this excessive energy intake are worsened by people's lower levels of physical activity. Because of sedentary lifestyles, the energy sodas provide is often not needed and is stored in the body instead. Contents of this article: Here are some key points about soda and diabetes. More detail and supporting information is in the main article. Although there is a link between diabetes and soda consumption, the reasons why are still unclear Soda that is cola-flavored my carry additional risks Some studies show a relationship between excess soda in the diet and heart problems Soda and diabetes People who drink one, two, or more cans of soda a day are much more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people who rarely drink soda. In fact, according to a study published in 2010, the risk of developing diabetes is 26 percent higher for people who have one or more sugary drinks each day. Young adults and Asians who consume one or more sweetened drinks daily are at an even greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. How does drinking sweetened drinks lead to diabetes? Drinking too many sweetened drinks means that the body stores excess energy in the form fat, so, drinking too much soda can play a part in people becoming overweight Continue reading >>

How Much Water Should You Drink?
The key to staying hydrated is drinking fluids throughout the day You probably know that it's important to drink plenty of fluids when the temperatures soar outside. But staying hydrated is a daily necessity, no matter what the thermometer says. Unfortunately, many of us aren't getting enough to drink, especially older adults. "Older people don't sense thirst as much as they did when they were younger. And that could be a problem if they're on a medication that may cause fluid loss, such as a diuretic," says Dr. Julian Seifter, a kidney specialist and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Water keeps every system in the body functioning properly. The Harvard Medical School Special Health Report 6-Week Plan for Health Eating notes that water has many important jobs, such as: carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells maintaining electrolyte (sodium) balance. Giving your body enough fluids to carry out those tasks means that you're staying hydrated. If you don't drink enough water each day, you risk becoming dehydrated. Warning signs of dehydration include weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness, confusion, or urine that's dark in color. So how much water should you drink? Most people need about four to six cups of water each day. The daily four-to-six cup rule is for generally healthy people. It's possible to take in too much water if you have certain health conditions, such as thyroid disease or kidney, liver, or heart problems; or if you're taking medications that make you retain water, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) , opiate pain medications, and some antidepressants. How much water a day should you drink if you fit into that category? There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Dr. Seifter says water intake must be individualiz Continue reading >>

Drinking Water May Cut Risk Of High Blood Sugar
June 30, 2011 (San Diego) -- Drinking about four or more 8-ounce glasses of water a day may protect against the development of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), French researchers report. In a study of 3,615 men and women with normal blood sugar levels at the start of the study, those who reported that they drank more than 34 ounces of water a day were 21% less likely to develop hyperglycemia over the next nine years than those who said they drank 16 ounces or less daily. The analysis took into account other factors that can affect the risk of high blood sugar, including sex, age, weight, and physical activity, as well as consumption of beer, sugary drinks, and wine. Still, the study doesn't prove cause and effect. People who drink more water could share some unmeasured factor that accounts for the association between drinking more water and lower risk of high blood sugar, says researcher Ronan Roussel, MD, PhD, professor of medicine at the Hospital Bichat in Paris. "But if confirmed, this is another good reason to drink plenty of water," he tells WebMD. The findings were presented here at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association. About 79 million Americans have prediabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to result in a diagnosis of diabetes, according to the CDC. It raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. An additional 26 million have diabetes, the CDC says. Roussel notes that recent research indicates an association between the hormone vasopressin, which regulates water in the body, and diabetes. Despite the known influence of water intake on vasopressin secretion, no study has investigated a possible association between drinking water and risk of high blood sugar, he Continue reading >>