Staying properly hydrated keeps your body running smoothly, yet many people don’t drink enough water throughout the day. The average American adult with a healthy body mass index (BMI) drinks only 44 ounces of plain water each day, while adults who are overweight or obese average only 27 ounces of water per day. Considering that the recommended intake is 64 ounces — that’s eight 8-ounce glasses of water — both the 44-ounce drinkers and the 27-ounce drinks aren’t hitting the mark.
Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, poor digestion, and even more serious health concerns.
While drinking fluids is the primary way to stay hydrated, sometimes your body needs more—especially if you’re recovering from an illness, feeling fatigued, or struggling with dehydration due to heat or exercise. That’s where intravenous (IV) therapy comes in.
Our team here at Novell Primary Care and Weight Loss offers IV therapy in Tallahassee, Florida, to help you stay hydrated.
Read on to learn more about the importance of keeping your body hydrated and how IV therapy can help.
Water makes up about 60% of your body, but some organs hold more water than others. For example, your brain and heart are composed of 73% water, your lungs are about 83% water, and your skin contains 64% water.
Beyond composing much of your body, water also:
Even mild dehydration — 1-3% water loss — can make you feel sluggish and fatigued. Drinking enough water means that you’re more likely to get through your daily to-do list.
Water helps break down food and absorb nutrients efficiently. On the flip side, dehydration can impact digestion and contribute to constipation.
Drinking water increases thermogenesis (your metabolic rate). Researchers found that people who drank 6.8–8.5 ounces of warm water after each meal experienced greater weight loss and a lower BMI compared to those who didn’t drink the warm water.
If you’re currently trying to lose weight, drinking water isn’t just a zero-calorie drink; it’s a zero-calorie drink that can boost your metabolism!
If your skin is feeling dry and flakey, you may not be hitting your hydration goals. Proper hydration keeps your skin looking plump, soft, and youthful.
Water helps your body maintain a stable temperature. For example, if you’re hot, your body starts to sweat to cool you off. But if you’re dehydrated, your body won’t be able to produce enough sweat to cool you off.
This is true year-round, but it’s even more important during the hot Florida summers. If you’re outside and sweating, be sure to replenish lost fluids.
Staying hydrated supports your kidney function and helps remove waste from your body. If you’re dehydrated, it’s harder for your kidneys to flush out the toxins, and that puts you at an increased risk of developing kidney stones.
Many people don’t realize they’re dehydrated until symptoms appear. Common signs include:
If your dehydration becomes severe, it can lead to more serious complications like heat exhaustion, kidney stones, or even hospitalization.
While drinking water is non-negotiable, IV hydration therapy offers a faster and more effective way to replenish fluids and essential nutrients. IV therapy delivers the fluids directly into your bloodstream and completely bypasses your digestive system.
IV therapy can:
You might consider IV therapy if you’re an athlete, recovering from illness or hangover, or experiencing chronic fatigue or migraines. It’s also ideal for anyone needing a quick hydration boost or for travelers who suffer from jet lag or dehydration after long flights.
Ready to experience the benefits of IV hydration here in our Tallahassee, Florida, location? Book your appointment today!
