At my 6 month physical two weeks ago, the nurse practitioner told me that she and my primary care doctor were troubled my the low number on my recent blood test that measures kidney function. She asked me if I took a lot of analgesics, and I said no. Then she asked if I stay hydrated, and I said no.
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I’m not sure why, but I’ve never been a fan of drinking a lot of water or any beverages for that matter. Typically, I have one cup of coffee in the morning, a small glass of lemonade with dinner and another small glass of water before bed with my pills. That’s it. If you count the coffee, I drink about 20 ounces of liquid a day. I’m mostly not thirsty, so I seldom think about drinking. Granted, if I am biking or hiking a long distance, I do drink water, often bringing it with me. Even after jogging, I never think of coming home and having a glass of water. I don’t know why, but it’s never been my thing.
The nurse practitioner told me to make a concerted effort to drink more and to come back in a week or so and have another blood test and a urinalysis. Ugh. That got my attention. I didn’t want to end up with kidney disease or on a wild goose chase to figure out why my kidney function number was low.
So, I took out my three water bottles and put them to use. Not long ago, in a review of ThinkSport sunscreen (here), I mentioned my new ThinkSport Insulated water bottle. Like the sunscreen, it’s non-toxic and eco-friendly. It’s BPA-free, and it’s double-walled. It has become my favorite because it’s a thermos, and it keeps the water cold and more appetizing. It has an easily removable mesh screen in case you want to add fruit to the water. I have to try that! The one I was sent holds about 12 oz., but there are two larger versions that hold 17 and 25 oz. The good thing about the 12 oz. size that I have is that it fits the bottle holder on my bike. I have the purple bottle, but they come in a variety of colors. Right now, they are on sale at iHerb.com for 20% off, and they definitely have excellent prices with the 25 oz. in Silver/Stainless for $15.99. Vitacost is another option for very affordable prices on ThinkSport. They are also sold on the ThinkSport website where you’ll find cool patterns as well as many colors, and in 10 different colors on Amazon.
When I’m at home, I use a plastic cup with a lid and plastic straw that comes with it. I’ve had it forever. In fact, the logo and writing on the front has worn off so much that I can’t read it. I don’t even remember where I got it. It’s an inexpensive promotional item that I may have been given by a focus group facility several years ago when I was moderating focus groups. I have started looking into upgrading this cup because the plastic may contain phthalates and/or BPA. I will look for something similar with the lid and straw but of better quality. In fact, I have found several contenders on Amazon. Now I just have to decide between silicone protected glass and BPA-free plastic. I think plastic has the edge.
Finally, a few months ago, I bought a set of 3 plastic drinking bottles at Costco that I could carry with me when I am hiking or biking. I’ve already lost one of them. But I like them because they are very lightweight, and when I carry one in my hiking backpack, the bottle itself doesn’t add much weight.
I am trying so hard to always carry a water bottle with me. Now I just have to remember to actually drink it!
The nurse practitioner reminded me that the goal should be to drink 6-8 cups of water per day. That’s 48-64 ounces. Yikes, I don’t think I will ever get there. After two weeks of trying to up my water consumption to at least 32 ounces, I went back a couple of days ago to get another blood test. Thankfully, my score was in the normal range this time. Whew! I was no longer dehydrated. Now I just have to keep this up…forever.
But I will be curious to see if there might be other benefits for me in addition to keeping my kidneys healthy. I’m hoping that my chronically dry lips and skin might benefit from all this water!
I’m sure you already know how important staying hydrated is, but so did I. Just in case, here’s a reminder!
I like water with loads of ice in it. I have my Klean Kanteen sitting on my desk right now but then forget to drink it. I was dehydrated at my last urinalysis so I need to up my water intake too.
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I am a water drinker! I have a cup of tea in the morning and fill up my Bubba cup 48 oz that I bought glass straws to drink from it. I like glass straws you can see if they are clean when you wash them and they fill good on your lips. Some times i add a flavored power to my drink. I drink 2 of the cups with water and ice during the day. And 1/2 fill it at bedtime I will wake up and have a sip or two and go back to sleep. I keep the cup on my desk and reach for it all the time. I also keep bottle water in my car. I drink a bottle when I am in the car. Fill your cup up put it on your desk and keep track of time started and time finished on each one. Water is good for you learn to love it 🙂 🙂
I found out just how awful dehydration can be a couple of weeks ago – dizziness, disorientation, and nausea… no fun! Glad you are getting on board the hydration train!
I drink a lot of water, and it is definitely very important for overall health. I make sure to carry water with me everywhere I go.
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