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February 17, 2005
Prairie Fare: Are You Down a Quart?
Do you mind if your vehicle is down a quart of oil? Most of us want our vehicle in good running order, so we quickly will add the oil. Our bodies are like vehicles in many ways. If they’re running OK, they get us from point A to point B without too much trouble. To stay operational, our bodies need fuel in the form of protein, carbohydrates and fat from food. Our heart, which functions like an engine, functions best on healthy “fuel” and regular test-drives. Vitamins in food are kind of like the spark plugs in a car, helping us use the fuel we take in. Minerals, such as calcium, help maintain our framework or bones. Fortunately, our bodies don’t “rust” despite our iron content, which helps transport oxygen through the bloodstream. Our bodies also need fluids. The human body is made up of 60 percent to 70 percent water. Body water transports nutrients, carries out wastes, lubricates joints, moistens eyes and skin, keeps blood volume adequate and even insulates against cold. We lose water through perspiration, breathing and urination. Unfortunately, we usually don’t sense being thirsty until we’re down about a quart of water. Fatigue and headaches can be signs of mild dehydration. If we progressively become more dehydrated, symptoms worsen. Body temperature increases, as does the pulse and breathing rate. Weakness, dizziness and muscle spasms can result. With a loss of 11 percent of body water, kidneys may fail. Dehydration is especially troublesome for the elderly and young children because their thirst mechanisms may be less defined. Dehydration, in fact, is a common cause of hospitalization among people over age 65. During the summer months, glasses of cool lemonade and other beverages are often in hand. During winter months, however, we may take our hydration needs for granted. Even when it’s cold outside, we still lose water. We perspire when we bundle up with heavy coats and enjoy winter activities. Cold temperatures and indoor heating systems can prompt water loss from our skin. Slathering on moisturizer can help, but also hydrate yourself from the inside out. Here are some tips to increase fluid intake this winter. Aim for a couple of quarts of fluids daily.
Lemonade isn’t only for summertime. Here’s how to make the refreshing favorite. Slip on your sunglasses and enjoy a glass.
### Source:
Julie Garden-Robinson, (701) 231-7187, jgardenr@ndsuext.nodak.edu |
Market Advisor: |
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North Dakota State University |
