Hydration Matters

It’s officially summer, it’s important to beat the heat and stay hydrated!

NEXDINE recognizes the importance of hydration throughout all our facilities and has our own signature program Tasteful Sips to encourage our residents/patients and customers to stay hydrated.

Our culinarians have put a flair on hydration, Tasteful Sips consist of infused water, herbal teas, and freshly made smoothies and juices. Our infused water contains fresh fruit, vegetables, or herbs, and flavors rotate daily. We also use locally sourced fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs to create fruit smoothies, juices, and herbal tea.

Fast Facts on Water

Did you know up to 60 percent of the human adult body is made of water? It’s essential for biochemical reactions, supplying nutrients throughout the body and removing waste, and maintaining blood circulation and body temperature. It aids in digestion, prevents constipation, cushions joints, stabilizes the heartbeat, and protects vital organs and tissues.

Here are some helpful tips to avoid dehydration:

  • Drink before you eat! When someone is dehydrated, it is very common to confuse hunger and thirst mechanisms.
  • Even mild dehydration – as little as 1%-2% loss of your body weight – can sap your energy and make you feel tired.
  • If you exercise or engage in any activity that makes you sweat, you will need to drink extra water to compensate for that fluid loss.
  • Extra water is needed in hot or humid weather to help lower body temperature and to replace what you lose through sweating.
  • Some symptoms of common illnesses – such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea – cause your body to lose extra fluids.
  • Don’t rely on feeling thirsty for when you need to hydrate. The older you are, the less likely you are able to sense your body’s need for fluid replenishment.

Nutrition Facts About Fruits and Herbs Added to Water

Cucumber – Rich source of phytonutrients.  Excellent source of Vitamin K

Basil – Excellent source of Vitamin K and a very good source of Iron, Calcium, and Vitamin A

Oranges – One whole orange provides 116% of the RDA (recommended daily allowance) for Vitamin C – which makes it an excellent source of this Vitamin.  Oranges are a very good source of fiber at 12.5% of the recommended intake of dietary fiber. Good source of B vitamins

Pomegranate – Rich source of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber.  Good source of Vitamin C and B Vitamins.  High in an antioxidant called punicalagin that has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease

Ginger – helps relieve symptoms of GI distress (nausea/vomiting).  Anti-inflammatory effects when ingested.

Rosemary – a good source of the minerals Iron and Calcium

Tomato – All colors of tomatoes are an outstanding source of the antioxidant lycopene known to protect against prostate cancer.  Excellent source of Vitamin C and beta carotene,  and a very good source of the mineral Manganese.

Cranberry – Provides a variety of phytonutrients – phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids.  Beneficial in protecting against UTIs – Urinary Tract Infections

Pineapples – Excellent source of Vitamin C and Manganese.  Contains an enzyme- bromelain- that has anti-inflammatory properties and can help decrease bruising.

Sage – researched to be a memory enhancer!  Excellent source of Vitamin K.

Grapes – Outstanding source of health-supportive phytonutrients.  Excellent source of manganese.  Very good source of Vitamin K, and good sources of Vitamin B6 and potassium.

Watermelon – Rich in the antioxidant lycopene.  Excellent source of Vitamin C.  Very good source of Vitamin A.  Good source of potassium and magnesium

Carrot – Rich source of antioxidants including beta carotene.  Carrots have many health benefits.  Excellent source of Vitamin A, very good source of immune-supportive Vitamin C, vitamin K, dietary fiber, and potassium

Kiwi – Excellent source of Vitamin C.  Contains a variety of flavonoids and carotenoids that show antioxidant activity.

Mint – promotes digestion. Excellent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C

Lime – Excellent source of Vitamin C

Blueberry – Phytonutrient superstars indicated by their rich color. Excellent source of Vitamin K and a very good source of Vitamin C and manganese.  Good source of heart-healthy fiber when consumed.

Lemon – Excellent source of Vitamin C

Strawberry – contains a variety of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients.  Excellent source of Vitamin and manganese.  Very good source of heart-healthy folate.

Fennel – an excellent source of Vitamin C and a very good source of folate

Cantaloupe – Anti-inflammatory benefits. Excellent source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A (from carotenoids) and a very good source of potassium

Cinnamon – is studied for many health benefits – including in helping to manage blood sugar.  Excellent source of manganese and fiber.  Very good source of calcium.

Celery – Excellent source of Vitamin K.  A very good source of Vitamin C which helps support the immune system, molybdenum, potassium, folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and manganese.

Grapefruit –  Rich in lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient (only pink and red colors).  Excellent source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A.  Good source of potassium, vitamin B1, and Vitamin B5.