People who don't drink enough water every day are at greater risk of kidney stones, problems with their heart valves and some kinds of cancer. Even minor dehydration can affect physical and mental performance. Drinking water is also essential for the health of your mouth.
Dehydration can also cause focus issues, potentially making ADHD symptoms worse. Try to drink sufficient plain water, sparkling water, or flavored water throughout the day to feel hydrated. For some people, their Concerta, Adderall, or Vyvanse impacts their appetite.
Those with ADHD may be especially prone to dehydration due to hyperfocus, forgetfulness, and lower self-awareness. Stimulant medications can also lead to dehydration. Adults should drink between 9 and 13 cups of water a day to stay hydrated.
1) Swimming can increase attention span
Kids with ADHD often seem to have too much energy, resulting in fidgety, restless behavior. Swimming is a fantastic way to release this excess energy as it helps with the lack of focus and impulsivity seen in children with ADHD.
Urine Color – Urine color can be assessed and compared with the urine color chart (as seen to the right). This is the easiest measure of hydration for most people because it is easy to assess and does not need additional equipment to do so. The higher the number or darker the color the greater degree of dehydration.
Not sure if you're dehydrated? One of the easiest ways to tell is by checking the color of your urine. If it looks clear or pale yellow, then you're drinking enough water. But if your urine is a darker yellow or an amber color, then it's time to hydrate.
You'll feel less hungry and may even lose weight. You'll probably experience more comfortable digestion (less heartburn). Bowel movements might be easier and more regular. Your teeth and gums will be healthier and more resilient.
Mild, moderate, and severe dehydration have similar treatments and warning signs but at varying levels. For more mild or moderate cases of dehydration, expect your body to feel better after just a few hours, but full rehydration won't happen until about three days later.
You are probably all aware of the “cardinal rule” that says adults should drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
A quick and easy guide to see whether or not you are well hydrated is the color and concentration of urine. If it is pale yellow like lemonade, you are probably getting enough water. If it is a dark yellow and appears more concentrated, you need to drink more water.
As dehydration progresses, the body redirects blood to the working muscles and away from the skin, impairing your body's ability to diffuse heat. The increase in internal heat then results in muscle cramps, light-headedness, and fatigue. If you have chronic fatigue syndrome, you will identify with this symptom.
People who are suffering from significant dehydration often find that they feel extremely tired, lethargic, or fatigued. View Source . Other symptoms of dehydration, such as headaches, dry mouth and nasal passages, and muscle cramps may cause discomfort that makes it harder to sleep well.
Milk is more hydrating than water
For example, milk was found to be even more hydrating than plain water because it contains the sugar lactose, some protein and some fat, all of which help to slow the emptying of fluid from the stomach and keep hydration happening over a longer period.
Alcohol is a depressant. That is why many people use it to relax. In the case of people afflicted with ADHD, many will use alcohol to calm down the hyperactivity.