This 2018 flu season is shaping up to be the worst in nearly a decade with over 12,000 patients being hospitalized. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to drink plenty of fluids, whether it comes from an electrolyte sports drink or from an Atlanta home water delivery service.
Read on to find out the benefits of how drinking water can combat the flu.
How Fluid Intake Affects Your Health
When you have the flu, drinking water is the best medicine. Some of the most common symptoms are a runny nose, sweating, headache, and a fever. Losing these nutrients means you need to increase your water intake, or you’ll become dehydrated.
Also, water oxygenates your blood, flushing out harmful toxins from your immune system. That’s why drinking water will help organs like your eyes and mouth to remain moist and repel contaminants that could cause infections when your health is already at risk.
Signs of Dehydration
Dehydration happens when your body doesn’t have as much water as it needs. Without it, your body can’t function properly. Some of the most common signs of dehydration are:
- Dark urine
- Extreme thirst
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Lack of saliva
When you’re sick with the flu, your body loses water from sweating, a fever, or vomiting so it’s important to replace it.
Beverages That Dehydrate You
The following beverages pull water from the body and encourage dehydration.
- Coffee, sweet tea, and soda all have too much caffeine, one of the worst dehydrators.
- Alcohol dehydrates you and can make your symptoms worse, like nausea, headaches, and body aches. It can also make your body weaker to fight infections.
- Fruit juices that are high in citrus can aggravate your sore throat.
What to Eat When You Have the Flu:
Besides liquid sources, water can also be found on the foods you eat. The more water you drink, the easier it is to digest your food. Keep these things in mind when shopping for what to eat:
- Eat foods that are full of nutrients like fruits and vegetables.
- Consume foods that boost your immune system.
- If you have a sore throat, eat soft foods that are easy to swallow, like applesauce and yogurt.
- Try hot soups or broths that can help relieve symptoms.
Where’s Your Water Coming From?
Do you know if your water is filtered? The benefit of drinking water is ineffective if it contains contaminants such as bacteria or sediment. You want to drink filtered water that is contaminant-free. Filtered water can come from many different sources, like a filtered water pitcher or refrigerator filter. Test different sources of water and see which as the best quality.
Drinking water is a natural way to help your immune system fight germs that are commonly associated with the cold and flu. If you want to have access to high-quality water 24/7/365, contact Lipsey Water. Call 770-449-0001 today to begin a free, two-week trial. Bottled in glass, delivered with class.