Did you know that our IV therapy Toronto lounge offers the Max Hydration Drip as additional support? 

This is a type of infusion used to replenish much-needed fluids in the body; when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, it could impact optimal health. 

Hydration must be sustained for countless reasons, including these: 

• For boosting immune function during infections
• For controlling body temperature
• So that joints can move efficiently with lubrication
• For optimizing cellular health by providing cells with nutrients
• And for ensuring that body functions are operating, including the functioning of organs and sleep quality. 

Fluid intake should be part of our daily routine, but unfortunately for many, it’s not. Low levels of hydration can hinder energy levels, skin elasticity, cellular functioning, mental clarity, cognitive function, muscle recovery, physical performance, and more! For this article, the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre highlights facts about water consumption in the human body and novel ways to rehydrate.  

Beneficial effects of hydration 

Our bodies endure fluid loss daily from sweating, breathing and urination. And we lose fluids when we’re ill, especially due to vomiting or diarrhea. This means we must restock our liquid intake, and being cognizant of our levels of hydration is ideal – even when we don’t feel thirsty!

If drinking water is one of your daily challenges, keep these facts in mind: 

• Optimal hydration removes toxicities from the body, especially environmental toxins: Fluids help the kidneys eliminate waste and bacteria. If you don’t consume enough liquids, this can impede kidney functioning. In fact, water intake is necessary for preventing kidney stones! 

• Fluid intake contributes to blood pressure regulation: Did you know that changes in your blood pressure can be triggered by dehydration? When you lack fluids, your blood volume – the measurement of liquid circulating inside the blood vessels – lowers; this initially decreases your blood pressure. This decrease in blood volume causes an elevation in sodium levels in our blood, and this causes your system to emit a surplus amount of a hormone called vasopressin. Vasopressin helps your body hold on to water, but it causes the blood vessels to tighten up. As a result, your blood pressure rises, interfering with optimal function. If you’re already treating hypertension or have chronically high blood pressure, ongoing dehydration could cause additional detriment. 

• Staying hydrated can help manage digestive issues: Constipation may be triggered by medications, poor fibre intake, and illnesses. Drinking water is not a quick fix for constipation; but hydration encourages the stool to remain soft and easily removed from the body.  

• Drinking fluids can promote skin vitality as an anti-aging effect: Studies have shown that people with low H20 intake can improve the appearance of skin with optimal hydration. This isn’t a surprise, as “…water deficiency is associated with several dermatological dysfunctions,” confirmed a study from Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.   
• Consuming water can help lessen chronic inflammation and joint pain: Surprisingly, water contributes to the overall health of bones! Cartilage is made up of almost 80% water, so imagine how dehydration can impact chronic pain. Cartilage requires fluids for structural support and for lessening friction between the bones. In fact, one study insinuated that patients who already have high pain levels could experience additional pain when dehydrated. 

Tips for replenishing fluids

So, what if you have trouble reminding yourself to drink fluids? Or what if you don’t like drinking water? Here are some tips: 

• • Try coconut water: Coconut water is suitable for hydration, as it consists of 94% water. It’s laden with electrolytes, antioxidant properties and high amounts of nutrients, and has shown to help kidney health, moderate your blood sugar levels, keep you hydrated. 
  • Drink non-diary substitutes for milk as a post-exercise beverage: Non-dairy milk-containing drinks may be appropriate for post-workout support care. They provide additional energy, key nutrients, protein, and electrolytes in a non-dairy-based liquid meal supplement. Drinking this could facilitate recovery following athletic performances. 
  • Boost your fruit and vegetable intake: Keep fresh produce in your fridge because they contain up to 99% water! Some fruits and veggies known for their elevated water content are lettuce, cucumber, watercress, watermelon and zucchini.
  • Get vitamin IV therapy: Another way to rehydrate is to get IV drip therapy, which addresses fluid loss, supports red blood cell production, and helps alleviate a nutritional deficiency. This therapy provides a full absorption of nutrients without using the digestive tract; instead, an IV is directed into the vein and a solution with natural ingredients enters the blood\stream. Intravenous drip therapies may be suitable for patients struggling with malabsorption or for those who fear pill-swallowing.