You probably know dehydration as what happens to our bodies when we don’t take in enough fluids. “That’s pretty close to those hangover symptoms, right?” asks Brigitte Zeitlin, M.P.H., R.D., C.D.N., and owner of BZ Nutrition. While drinking beer—as well as other types of alcohol—is popularly does alcohol dehydrate you known for making the consumer feel relaxed and experience feelings of euphoria, the intoxication of alcohol can affect your brain’s long-term health. If hydration is your number-one priority, avoiding or significantly reducing consumption of these drinks is probably your best bet.
Does Alcohol Dehydrate You? Understanding The Health Risks
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that alcohol can affect your brain’s communication pathway and even affects your brain’s ability to process information. For most of us, dehydration can present as lightheadedness, headache, decreased cognition, insomnia, fatigue, unusual mood swings, gas, bloating, constipation, dark-colored urine, and less frequent urination. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, hydration is always important—and it becomes an even higher priority as the hot months of summer approach. If you have been advised by your healthcare team to restrict the amount of fluid you drink (fluid restriction), the usual goal of 6 to 8 glasses per day may not apply. You could add slices of fruit such as lemon, cucumber, or berries.
Impaired cognitive function:
A small amount of beer will not lead to severe dehydration, but we should not drink beer to rehydrate. Having one glass of wine with dinner will likely not cause dehydration. However, drinking wine in excess can lead to dehydration because of the alcohol and the sugar content.
Eat hydrating foods
It’s a great alternative for those who prefer a bit of carbonation without added sugars or calories. Adding lemon to water boosts vitamin C intake and enhances flavor, making it easier to stay hydrated. Celery juice is also rich in vitamins A, C and K and minerals like potassium. Milk provides hydration along with essential nutrients, like calcium, protein, carbohydrates, electrolytes and vitamin D. Excessive alcohol use can harm people who drink and those around them.
The Truth About the Health Benefits of Alcohol
Is it safe to drink more water if I’m on fluid restriction?
- Both drinks are diuretics too, which means you might be kept up at night with the need to go to the toilet, says Thornton-Wood.
- You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings.
- Lower levels of hydration in the body decrease the volume of the cells, which may impact a person’s blood sugar.
- Smoothies made with berries and water or coconut water provide hydration along with antioxidants, vitamins and fiber, supporting overall health.
Health Risks From Dehydration
- While drinking extra liquids may generally lead to more frequent urination, a diuretic liquid such as alcohol will encourage the body to expel even more liquid.
- When you’re feeling a hangover, it’s important to explore the root cause.
- Dehydration can also thicken the blood, increasing the risk of blood clots and heart attacks.
- These are substances that promote urine production, or diuresis.
Deixar um comentário