Electrolytes and Your Fluid Level
Keeping adequately hydrated, and having enough fluids, is one of the most fundamental things anyone can do to improve or maintain their health. There are lots of different pieces of advice out there, but what is the truth? It depends on your unique situation. Living in a hot or dry environment, high-intensity exercise, diabetes, diarrhea, and fever can all cause dehydration (low fluid levels). But do you really need to drink 6-8 glasses of water daily (that is a myth)? How can you determine whether you need to drink more fluids? There is an effortless and effective way to find out. How to Check Your ‘Fluid Level While seated, place your right hand, palm down, on your right leg. The veins in the back of your hand should stand up above the surface and feel moderately firm and puffy. If your veins are full, slowly raise your hand and watch the veins. When you reach the point where your veins disappear, stop and look at the height of your hand. This height is your ‘fluid