Quick trick to remember: A doctor unveils an easy test to detect dehydration instantly!
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As we gracefully navigate the golden years, staying hydrated becomes more than just a good habit—it's a cornerstone of maintaining our health and vitality.
The National Council on Aging emphasizes the importance of hydration, especially for those over 60, as our bodies are more susceptible to dehydration.
But how do we ensure we're getting enough fluids when life's hustle and bustle might distract us from reaching for that water bottle? This quick trick revealed by Dr. Myro Figura might help make things easier for us.
The National Library of Medicine reports that 17 to 28% of adult Americans suffer from dehydration, thus causing frequent hospital visits.
Enter the “Pinch Test,” a simple, quick method to check your hydration status in seconds, shared by a medical professional who knows the ins and outs of keeping our bodies in tip-top shape.
Before we dive into the “Pinch Test,” let's talk about why hydration is so crucial as we grow older.
As we age, our bodies undergo changes that can affect how we process and retain fluids. Our sense of thirst may diminish, making it less likely for us to drink water regularly.
Additionally, medications and certain health conditions can alter our fluid balance.
That's why the Mayo Clinic recommends a daily fluid intake of 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 liters for women.
But let's be honest, keeping track of every sip can be a chore. That's where Dr. Myro Figura's 'Pinch Test' comes in handy.
Dr. Figura, who took to social media to share this hydration hack, explains that the “Pinch Test”—officially known as the Turgor pinch test—is a quick and easy way to assess if you're dehydrated.
Here's how to do it:
1. Use your thumb and forefinger to pinch the skin on the back of your hand.
2. Hold for a few seconds, then release.
3. Observe how quickly the skin returns to its normal, flat position.
If your skin snaps back promptly, you're likely well-hydrated. However, if the skin remains tented or returns slowly, it could be a sign that your body is craving fluids.
Why does this happen?
Dr. Figura explains that “When you're dehydrated, your extra cellular space contracts and that reduces your skin elasticity, so when you pinch your skin like this it'll stay up because you're dehydrated.”
Source: @doctormyro / Tiktok.
While the “Pinch Test” is a handy tool, it's not the only indicator of dehydration. Keep an eye out for these other symptoms:
- Infrequent urination
- Dark-colored urine
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
If you're experiencing severe symptoms, such as diarrhea or an inability to keep down fluids, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
Hydration also affects our bladder health. A fascinating study published in 2014 discovered that the optimal time for urination is around 21 seconds.
This “sweet spot” suggests that if you're spending much less or much more time in the restroom, you might be drinking too little or too much.
An overactive bladder could be the culprit if you find yourself making frequent trips to the bathroom.
Conversely, holding in your urine for too long can lead to kidney stones. As a general guideline, if you're drinking eight glasses of water a day, you should expect to urinate about eight times a day, according to urologist Nicole Eisenbrown.
Now that you're equipped with the “Pinch Test” and understand the importance of hydration, here are some tips to help you stay hydrated:
- Keep a water bottle handy at all times.
- Set reminders on your phone or clock to take sips of water throughout the day.
- Eat water-rich foods like cucumbers, tomatoes, and watermelon.
- Flavor your water with slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber for a refreshing twist.
Do you have any personal tips for staying hydrated? Share your experiences and strategies in the comments below!
The National Council on Aging emphasizes the importance of hydration, especially for those over 60, as our bodies are more susceptible to dehydration.
But how do we ensure we're getting enough fluids when life's hustle and bustle might distract us from reaching for that water bottle? This quick trick revealed by Dr. Myro Figura might help make things easier for us.
The National Library of Medicine reports that 17 to 28% of adult Americans suffer from dehydration, thus causing frequent hospital visits.
Enter the “Pinch Test,” a simple, quick method to check your hydration status in seconds, shared by a medical professional who knows the ins and outs of keeping our bodies in tip-top shape.
Before we dive into the “Pinch Test,” let's talk about why hydration is so crucial as we grow older.
As we age, our bodies undergo changes that can affect how we process and retain fluids. Our sense of thirst may diminish, making it less likely for us to drink water regularly.
The National Council on Aging highlights that older individuals, particularly those aged 60 and over, are at a higher risk of dehydration and should ensure they maintain adequate fluid intake. Image source: Pexels / Pixabay.
Additionally, medications and certain health conditions can alter our fluid balance.
That's why the Mayo Clinic recommends a daily fluid intake of 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 liters for women.
But let's be honest, keeping track of every sip can be a chore. That's where Dr. Myro Figura's 'Pinch Test' comes in handy.
Dr. Figura, who took to social media to share this hydration hack, explains that the “Pinch Test”—officially known as the Turgor pinch test—is a quick and easy way to assess if you're dehydrated.
Here's how to do it:
1. Use your thumb and forefinger to pinch the skin on the back of your hand.
2. Hold for a few seconds, then release.
3. Observe how quickly the skin returns to its normal, flat position.
If your skin snaps back promptly, you're likely well-hydrated. However, if the skin remains tented or returns slowly, it could be a sign that your body is craving fluids.
Why does this happen?
Dr. Figura explains that “When you're dehydrated, your extra cellular space contracts and that reduces your skin elasticity, so when you pinch your skin like this it'll stay up because you're dehydrated.”
Source: @doctormyro / Tiktok.
While the “Pinch Test” is a handy tool, it's not the only indicator of dehydration. Keep an eye out for these other symptoms:
- Infrequent urination
- Dark-colored urine
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
If you're experiencing severe symptoms, such as diarrhea or an inability to keep down fluids, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
Hydration also affects our bladder health. A fascinating study published in 2014 discovered that the optimal time for urination is around 21 seconds.
This “sweet spot” suggests that if you're spending much less or much more time in the restroom, you might be drinking too little or too much.
An overactive bladder could be the culprit if you find yourself making frequent trips to the bathroom.
Conversely, holding in your urine for too long can lead to kidney stones. As a general guideline, if you're drinking eight glasses of water a day, you should expect to urinate about eight times a day, according to urologist Nicole Eisenbrown.
Now that you're equipped with the “Pinch Test” and understand the importance of hydration, here are some tips to help you stay hydrated:
- Keep a water bottle handy at all times.
- Set reminders on your phone or clock to take sips of water throughout the day.
- Eat water-rich foods like cucumbers, tomatoes, and watermelon.
- Flavor your water with slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber for a refreshing twist.
Do you have any personal tips for staying hydrated? Share your experiences and strategies in the comments below!
