Ways Dehydration is Affecting You That You Didn’t Realize
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About the Show
On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Shanthi Appelö, registered dietitian for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Together, they explore ways dehydration is affecting you that you might not have realized.
In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:
- Basic signs of dehydration
- How sleep impacts our hydration levels
- The impact dehydration has on cognitive function
- Ways to stay hydrated
Transcript
Chuck Gaidica:
Did you know that every year, half a million people in the United States end up in the hospital due to dehydration? This is A Healthier Michigan Podcast, episode 137. And coming up, we explore different ways dehydration is affecting you that you may not realize. Welcome to A Healthier Michigan Podcast. It’s a podcast that’s dedicated to navigating how we can all improve our health and wellbeing through small, healthy habits we can start implementing right now. I’m your host, Chuck Gaidica, and every other week we sit down with a certified expert and we discuss topics that cover nutrition and fitness and more. And on this episode, going deep in the idea, trying to learn more about the signs of dehydration that are important to maintain good health. With us today, registered dietician for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Shanthi Appelö. Good to see you.
Did you know that every year, half a million people in the United States end up in the hospital due to dehydration? This is A Healthier Michigan Podcast, episode 137. And coming up, we explore different ways dehydration is affecting you that you may not realize. Welcome to A Healthier Michigan Podcast. It’s a podcast that’s dedicated to navigating how we can all improve our health and wellbeing through small, healthy habits we can start implementing right now. I’m your host, Chuck Gaidica, and every other week we sit down with a certified expert and we discuss topics that cover nutrition and fitness and more. And on this episode, going deep in the idea, trying to learn more about the signs of dehydration that are important to maintain good health. With us today, registered dietician for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Shanthi Appelö. Good to see you.
Shanthi Appelö:
Good to see you.
Good to see you.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah, thanks. This is interesting stuff because we just take for granted. Well, we’ll drink water and everything’s going to be fine. But according to the National Library of Medicine, this blows my mind. Shanthi, 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. And staying hydrated we know is critical for good health all the way around. It can prevent lots of other health conditions. And with bodies that are made up of 60% water, this is kind of crucial that we understand this idea of hydrating. Doing it properly. And it just seems like, “Well, there’s a glass, I just drink it and everything will be all right.” But it’s not always that simple and straightforward, is it?
Yeah, thanks. This is interesting stuff because we just take for granted. Well, we’ll drink water and everything’s going to be fine. But according to the National Library of Medicine, this blows my mind. Shanthi, 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. And staying hydrated we know is critical for good health all the way around. It can prevent lots of other health conditions. And with bodies that are made up of 60% water, this is kind of crucial that we understand this idea of hydrating. Doing it properly. And it just seems like, “Well, there’s a glass, I just drink it and everything will be all right.” But it’s not always that simple and straightforward, is it?
Shanthi Appelö:
Yeah. I think part of the reason for that is some individuals rely on thirst alone, and sometimes that’s just not enough. Especially as we get older. They might just go for a glass of water if they’re thirsty. If you get really busy in the day, that can happen too. But the important part here is that whenever we are dehydrated, it does upset that balance of minerals. Like the salt and the sugar in your body. And that can affect the way it functions. That’s why there are side effects to being dehydrated. You’re not going to feel as great. You’re not going to function as great. And so that’s kind of where everything is. We think of the symptoms like dry skin, that makes sense. But there are so many other ways that it can impact us.
Yeah. I think part of the reason for that is some individuals rely on thirst alone, and sometimes that’s just not enough. Especially as we get older. They might just go for a glass of water if they’re thirsty. If you get really busy in the day, that can happen too. But the important part here is that whenever we are dehydrated, it does upset that balance of minerals. Like the salt and the sugar in your body. And that can affect the way it functions. That’s why there are side effects to being dehydrated. You’re not going to feel as great. You’re not going to function as great. And so that’s kind of where everything is. We think of the symptoms like dry skin, that makes sense. But there are so many other ways that it can impact us.
Chuck Gaidica:
Well, tell me about some more of those basic signs. Because for a lot of people too, we think, “Well, we’ll just supplement with coffee or a soda or something.” And yeah, it’s liquid, but it still has other things in it that may actually enhance dehydration. Right?
Well, tell me about some more of those basic signs. Because for a lot of people too, we think, “Well, we’ll just supplement with coffee or a soda or something.” And yeah, it’s liquid, but it still has other things in it that may actually enhance dehydration. Right?
Shanthi Appelö:
Yeah. So caffeine, the research on that is a little back and forth in terms of whether it contributes to dehydration or not. But it can contribute to your overall fluid intake for the day. But, for example, if you’re someone who’s experiencing constipation a lot, that could be due to not consuming enough water. If you’re getting a lot of headaches, if you feel like you’re feeling very tired, fatigued during the day, and you can’t figure out why. You’re like, “I got a good night of sleep, but I am feeling so tired. And I can’t figure out why.” Oftentimes a glass of water or a few can be really helpful. Just feeling really stiff and dry mouthed. You’re not going to the bathroom as often. Your pee is a little more yellow than it should be. All of those things are good signs that a glass of water is what you should go for.
Yeah. So caffeine, the research on that is a little back and forth in terms of whether it contributes to dehydration or not. But it can contribute to your overall fluid intake for the day. But, for example, if you’re someone who’s experiencing constipation a lot, that could be due to not consuming enough water. If you’re getting a lot of headaches, if you feel like you’re feeling very tired, fatigued during the day, and you can’t figure out why. You’re like, “I got a good night of sleep, but I am feeling so tired. And I can’t figure out why.” Oftentimes a glass of water or a few can be really helpful. Just feeling really stiff and dry mouthed. You’re not going to the bathroom as often. Your pee is a little more yellow than it should be. All of those things are good signs that a glass of water is what you should go for.
Chuck Gaidica:
Do you track your water intake during the day? I know a lot of people have those smart bottles and things that actually track how many glasses a day. Do you track it? Do you look to a certain number?
Do you track your water intake during the day? I know a lot of people have those smart bottles and things that actually track how many glasses a day. Do you track it? Do you look to a certain number?
Shanthi Appelö:
I don’t. So there’s actually not a specific recommendation for how much water we should all consume in a day. Because it’s so dependent on how much exercise you get, how much fluid you actually lose. Personally, I don’t sweat very much, which is a blessing and a curse, by the way. You get very overheated. And some people who are bigger obviously need more water. People who are athletes. Anyways, there’s so many things. But generally, men should consume about 13 cups a day, women about nine.
I don’t. So there’s actually not a specific recommendation for how much water we should all consume in a day. Because it’s so dependent on how much exercise you get, how much fluid you actually lose. Personally, I don’t sweat very much, which is a blessing and a curse, by the way. You get very overheated. And some people who are bigger obviously need more water. People who are athletes. Anyways, there’s so many things. But generally, men should consume about 13 cups a day, women about nine.
Chuck Gaidica:
Wow.
Wow.
Shanthi Appelö:
And for me, the way that I keep track of it is that I love sparkling water, and we have these one liter sparkling water jugs that I fill up myself and Sparkle machine.
And for me, the way that I keep track of it is that I love sparkling water, and we have these one liter sparkling water jugs that I fill up myself and Sparkle machine.
Chuck Gaidica:
So you’ve got the gizmo. Yeah.
So you’ve got the gizmo. Yeah.
Shanthi Appelö:
And I know if I’ve had… Yeah. If I’ve had about three to four of those in a day I’m good. So that’s how I keep track of it. But it is a good idea to keep that in mind, how much you’re drinking.
And I know if I’ve had… Yeah. If I’ve had about three to four of those in a day I’m good. So that’s how I keep track of it. But it is a good idea to keep that in mind, how much you’re drinking.
Chuck Gaidica:
So I would’ve missed on the test here, because I have been programmed most of my life to think eight cups of water a day was the right number. You’re saying for a guy it’s 13 now.
So I would’ve missed on the test here, because I have been programmed most of my life to think eight cups of water a day was the right number. You’re saying for a guy it’s 13 now.
Shanthi Appelö:
Yeah. So again, there’s not a specific number out there that exists, but the National Academy of Medicine does recommend those 13 cups for men.
Yeah. So again, there’s not a specific number out there that exists, but the National Academy of Medicine does recommend those 13 cups for men.
Chuck Gaidica:
Wow. Well, you’ve got to be careful. You got to give it back somehow. So just make sure you’re planning your time right.
Wow. Well, you’ve got to be careful. You got to give it back somehow. So just make sure you’re planning your time right.
Shanthi Appelö:
Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah. Yeah.
Chuck Gaidica:
Well, you talked about affecting your day and feeling maybe a bit lethargic or something. That could be a sign, one of those basic signs of dehydration. But what about the idea of the amount of sleep we get, and how does that affect our hydration levels?
Well, you talked about affecting your day and feeling maybe a bit lethargic or something. That could be a sign, one of those basic signs of dehydration. But what about the idea of the amount of sleep we get, and how does that affect our hydration levels?
Shanthi Appelö:
Yeah. So there’s a few different theories here. And there was an interesting study done in 2019, and it was published in the journal Sleep. What was interesting about it was that they examined about 20,000 adults from both the United States and China. So the great thing is that they’re looking at two different groups of people.
Yeah. So there’s a few different theories here. And there was an interesting study done in 2019, and it was published in the journal Sleep. What was interesting about it was that they examined about 20,000 adults from both the United States and China. So the great thing is that they’re looking at two different groups of people.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah. Culturally very different.
Yeah. Culturally very different.
Shanthi Appelö:
Yes. Culturally different. And so it was an observational study, so it’s not going to prove causality in any way. But they found that people who were getting six hours of sleep a night had significantly higher rates of dehydration than those who would get eight hours of sleep a night. And so the Sleep Foundation has a couple different reasons why they think that this could be. So, of course, we lose water throughout the day. When we go to the bathroom, that’s the majority of our losses. But throughout the day, we’re also going to lose some water through our skin and through breathing too. And a lot of that breathing happens, of course, at night, where we’re not filling up more on water. Unless you’re getting up and filling up your water all throughout the night. But there’s really no fluid intake to make up for all that loss that happens when you’re breathing.
So the belief is that we of course have this internal clock, our circadian rhythm, and that is supposed to have a mechanism that kicks in that helps us balance hydration while we’re sleeping so that we don’t become dehydrated. So it’s going to tell our body to produce this hormone vasopressin, which basically makes your body retain water. So that when you’re sleeping, you’re retaining that water. Which also helps prevent you going to the bathroom all throughout the night. So if then your sleep is cut short, or it’s interrupted, then that natural process of that circadian rhythm and that hormone production may have been interrupted, and then that could contribute to dehydration. So that’s the theory.
Yes. Culturally different. And so it was an observational study, so it’s not going to prove causality in any way. But they found that people who were getting six hours of sleep a night had significantly higher rates of dehydration than those who would get eight hours of sleep a night. And so the Sleep Foundation has a couple different reasons why they think that this could be. So, of course, we lose water throughout the day. When we go to the bathroom, that’s the majority of our losses. But throughout the day, we’re also going to lose some water through our skin and through breathing too. And a lot of that breathing happens, of course, at night, where we’re not filling up more on water. Unless you’re getting up and filling up your water all throughout the night. But there’s really no fluid intake to make up for all that loss that happens when you’re breathing.
So the belief is that we of course have this internal clock, our circadian rhythm, and that is supposed to have a mechanism that kicks in that helps us balance hydration while we’re sleeping so that we don’t become dehydrated. So it’s going to tell our body to produce this hormone vasopressin, which basically makes your body retain water. So that when you’re sleeping, you’re retaining that water. Which also helps prevent you going to the bathroom all throughout the night. So if then your sleep is cut short, or it’s interrupted, then that natural process of that circadian rhythm and that hormone production may have been interrupted, and then that could contribute to dehydration. So that’s the theory.
Chuck Gaidica:
Well, and it’s an interesting theory also, it’s not lost on me that, and of course regardless of age really, if you pound a lot of water or ice tea or whatever you’re going to do close to bedtime, you may interrupt your own sleep. Because again, you got to give it back at some point. So I think that that’s the balance that we all try to find, is how late in the day do we make sure we’re hydrated? And if we’re not hydrating during the day and trying to make up for it later before we go to bed, well, that could be a disruptor as well.
Well, and it’s an interesting theory also, it’s not lost on me that, and of course regardless of age really, if you pound a lot of water or ice tea or whatever you’re going to do close to bedtime, you may interrupt your own sleep. Because again, you got to give it back at some point. So I think that that’s the balance that we all try to find, is how late in the day do we make sure we’re hydrated? And if we’re not hydrating during the day and trying to make up for it later before we go to bed, well, that could be a disruptor as well.
Shanthi Appelö:
Yeah. That kind of makes me think of alcohol and the way that that impacts our body too. So I don’t know if you’ve had a couple of glasses of wine, then you go to bed. And you’re like, “Ugh, I did not get a good night of sleep. I feel like I was going to the bathroom all night.” And that’s because alcohol suppresses that vasopressin, that hormone that I talked about. That basically tells your kidneys to retain fluid, so that whenever you’re not producing as much of that hormone, you’re then going to be releasing more water. And that’s why when you drink alcohol, you have to go to the bathroom more often and you’re losing more fluid. And it makes you more likely to be dehydrated.
Yeah. That kind of makes me think of alcohol and the way that that impacts our body too. So I don’t know if you’ve had a couple of glasses of wine, then you go to bed. And you’re like, “Ugh, I did not get a good night of sleep. I feel like I was going to the bathroom all night.” And that’s because alcohol suppresses that vasopressin, that hormone that I talked about. That basically tells your kidneys to retain fluid, so that whenever you’re not producing as much of that hormone, you’re then going to be releasing more water. And that’s why when you drink alcohol, you have to go to the bathroom more often and you’re losing more fluid. And it makes you more likely to be dehydrated.
Chuck Gaidica:
Doggone it. Here, I thought there was a good idea to have a glass of red wine for my health every once in a while. You know?
Doggone it. Here, I thought there was a good idea to have a glass of red wine for my health every once in a while. You know?
Shanthi Appelö:
It’s the excess though.
It’s the excess though.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah, I know. It’s the balance. We’re back to balance again. So outside of things that we’re doing to ourselves, what we’re ingesting or not, are there certain people that are wired a certain way? Maybe it’s a physical condition. Are there certain people who are prone to dehydration over others?
Yeah, I know. It’s the balance. We’re back to balance again. So outside of things that we’re doing to ourselves, what we’re ingesting or not, are there certain people that are wired a certain way? Maybe it’s a physical condition. Are there certain people who are prone to dehydration over others?
Shanthi Appelö:
So generally, babies are going to be more prone to dehydration. That’s because their bodies are so small. And so even losing a little bit of fluid is going to make a big difference. They also turn over those electrolytes quicker than adults do. So again, they’re more prone to dehydration. Older people are more prone as well, because they may forget to drink fluids. That thirst mechanism could be lower in an older adult, so they may not recognize that they need to drink as often. I have to tell my grandpa all the time, “You need to drink some water.” And he’s like, “But I’m not thirsty.” So I feel like I always have to explain that to him.
So generally, babies are going to be more prone to dehydration. That’s because their bodies are so small. And so even losing a little bit of fluid is going to make a big difference. They also turn over those electrolytes quicker than adults do. So again, they’re more prone to dehydration. Older people are more prone as well, because they may forget to drink fluids. That thirst mechanism could be lower in an older adult, so they may not recognize that they need to drink as often. I have to tell my grandpa all the time, “You need to drink some water.” And he’s like, “But I’m not thirsty.” So I feel like I always have to explain that to him.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah. I went through the same thing with my parents. Same thing.
Yeah. I went through the same thing with my parents. Same thing.
Shanthi Appelö:
Yeah. Same thing. But athletes too, obviously they’re moving more. They’re sweating more. Especially in the summer, they’re more at risk.
Yeah. Same thing. But athletes too, obviously they’re moving more. They’re sweating more. Especially in the summer, they’re more at risk.
Chuck Gaidica:
Are you big on adding anything to your water outside of the sparkle? I mean, do you add electrolytes in the little packs? Or are you supplementing during the day with sports type drinks to get something replenished? Or you just really concentrate on water, period?
Are you big on adding anything to your water outside of the sparkle? I mean, do you add electrolytes in the little packs? Or are you supplementing during the day with sports type drinks to get something replenished? Or you just really concentrate on water, period?
Shanthi Appelö:
So water is going to be the best choice unless you are someone who’s an athlete who is an Olympic athlete. Or someone who is working out for more than two hours. Or having a really intense exercise for more than an hour. So for those people, they have excess fluid losses. Electrolyte replenishment is very important. But for general people, for example, if I’m going to the gym for an hour, I’m getting on the stair master for 15 minutes. Maybe then I switch to the elliptical and then I do some weightlifting. Whatever it is, that’s not going to require electrolytes for someone like me.
So water is going to be the best choice unless you are someone who’s an athlete who is an Olympic athlete. Or someone who is working out for more than two hours. Or having a really intense exercise for more than an hour. So for those people, they have excess fluid losses. Electrolyte replenishment is very important. But for general people, for example, if I’m going to the gym for an hour, I’m getting on the stair master for 15 minutes. Maybe then I switch to the elliptical and then I do some weightlifting. Whatever it is, that’s not going to require electrolytes for someone like me.
Chuck Gaidica:
Well, that’s good to know. And so how do we look at this idea of cognitive, not decline, but affect? So if we’re not hydrated enough, I would assume we could really be fuzzy. We could start to see reasons why it’s manifesting in the way we’re going about thinking and otherwise.
Well, that’s good to know. And so how do we look at this idea of cognitive, not decline, but affect? So if we’re not hydrated enough, I would assume we could really be fuzzy. We could start to see reasons why it’s manifesting in the way we’re going about thinking and otherwise.
Shanthi Appelö:
Yeah. So it could be a contributor to this brain fog. You’re not feeling very clearheaded. And again, that fatigue and those headaches can also filter into this. Harvard University, or Harvard Health actually, reported that symptoms of dehydration could occur with as little as 2% water deficit. And some of the symptoms that they listed were short-term memory loss, confusion, and fatigue. And in addition to some mood changes, irritability and depression. And with that oftentimes comes performance that is not as great as you would normally do. So if you’re taking a test, if you have a hard day at work, if you’re someone who does a lot of math, staying hydrated is a good idea.
Yeah. So it could be a contributor to this brain fog. You’re not feeling very clearheaded. And again, that fatigue and those headaches can also filter into this. Harvard University, or Harvard Health actually, reported that symptoms of dehydration could occur with as little as 2% water deficit. And some of the symptoms that they listed were short-term memory loss, confusion, and fatigue. And in addition to some mood changes, irritability and depression. And with that oftentimes comes performance that is not as great as you would normally do. So if you’re taking a test, if you have a hard day at work, if you’re someone who does a lot of math, staying hydrated is a good idea.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah. But you know, what you’re saying, it’s so interesting because is there a prescription more natural than drink the proper amount of water per day? And think of the things that you just referenced, that could wind up on a list of other maladies. Those are conditions produced. But literally, the first place you could start, if you were saying, “I’m having a brain fog every day at 4:00 in the afternoon.” Would be, check your hydration. How easy is that one without thinking that you’ve got some fatal disease that’s popped up?
Yeah. But you know, what you’re saying, it’s so interesting because is there a prescription more natural than drink the proper amount of water per day? And think of the things that you just referenced, that could wind up on a list of other maladies. Those are conditions produced. But literally, the first place you could start, if you were saying, “I’m having a brain fog every day at 4:00 in the afternoon.” Would be, check your hydration. How easy is that one without thinking that you’ve got some fatal disease that’s popped up?
Shanthi Appelö:
Well, of course, if you do experience something like that, talking to your doctor is a good idea. But yeah, I mean, how easy is it just to say, “I don’t feel very well, I’m just going to drink some water.” At least test to see if it helps.
Well, of course, if you do experience something like that, talking to your doctor is a good idea. But yeah, I mean, how easy is it just to say, “I don’t feel very well, I’m just going to drink some water.” At least test to see if it helps.
Chuck Gaidica:
So when you start looking at this idea of advice to clients that you’ve had, and now to our audience that’s listening, the best ways for us to stay hydrated would include what? Including hacks that you’ve come up with one yourself, because you tend to like sparkling water. But…
So when you start looking at this idea of advice to clients that you’ve had, and now to our audience that’s listening, the best ways for us to stay hydrated would include what? Including hacks that you’ve come up with one yourself, because you tend to like sparkling water. But…
Shanthi Appelö:
Yes, I love it.
Yes, I love it.
Chuck Gaidica:
Give us some ways that we can all remember, because we all don’t have these fuzzy episodes, but we all get busy, even if it’s in spurts. We’re running and gunning it, or taking kids somewhere, doing something and it can interrupt the day.
Give us some ways that we can all remember, because we all don’t have these fuzzy episodes, but we all get busy, even if it’s in spurts. We’re running and gunning it, or taking kids somewhere, doing something and it can interrupt the day.
Shanthi Appelö:
Definitely. So the first thing is don’t rely on your thirst alone.
Definitely. So the first thing is don’t rely on your thirst alone.
Chuck Gaidica:
Okay.
Okay.
Shanthi Appelö:
Don’t do it. Keep drinking throughout the day. Keep your water filled throughout the day. So, for example, if you have a 20 ounce water bottle that you can fill up a couple of times a day, that’s a really good idea. And, like me, find ways that you can make water more enjoyable for you. It could be flavored sparkling water. I know there’s some myths out there saying that they don’t hydrate you. They absolutely do. So mix in some fruits, some citrus into your water. Just things that make it taste better. And then think about the foods that you’re consuming too. Of course, drinking straight water is going to be the best option, but even high water fruits and vegetables are great. So for example, cucumbers, watermelon here in the summer. All of those are good options too, to get in that extra a little bit of hydration.
Don’t do it. Keep drinking throughout the day. Keep your water filled throughout the day. So, for example, if you have a 20 ounce water bottle that you can fill up a couple of times a day, that’s a really good idea. And, like me, find ways that you can make water more enjoyable for you. It could be flavored sparkling water. I know there’s some myths out there saying that they don’t hydrate you. They absolutely do. So mix in some fruits, some citrus into your water. Just things that make it taste better. And then think about the foods that you’re consuming too. Of course, drinking straight water is going to be the best option, but even high water fruits and vegetables are great. So for example, cucumbers, watermelon here in the summer. All of those are good options too, to get in that extra a little bit of hydration.
Chuck Gaidica:
And if you’re one step away from pure water, which this time of the year our episode is hitting early August, we’re still in the heat of a Michigan summer. You may put in sprigs of mint or boil some water. And make a tea and then cool it off with ice. I mean, there are ways to make water more palatable if that’s what you’re after.
And if you’re one step away from pure water, which this time of the year our episode is hitting early August, we’re still in the heat of a Michigan summer. You may put in sprigs of mint or boil some water. And make a tea and then cool it off with ice. I mean, there are ways to make water more palatable if that’s what you’re after.
Shanthi Appelö:
Yes, definitely. I think that working with patients and clients in the past, oftentimes those who were drinking sodas throughout the day rather than water, one of the biggest reasons was they just didn’t find it as palatable. And another piece of advice there is just to start somewhere. It doesn’t have to be overnight where you were drinking eight sodas a day. We say pop up here in Michigan.
Yes, definitely. I think that working with patients and clients in the past, oftentimes those who were drinking sodas throughout the day rather than water, one of the biggest reasons was they just didn’t find it as palatable. And another piece of advice there is just to start somewhere. It doesn’t have to be overnight where you were drinking eight sodas a day. We say pop up here in Michigan.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah, we do. Yeah, right.
Yeah, we do. Yeah, right.
Shanthi Appelö:
But you’re drinking that, and then all of a sudden you’re switching all the way to water. You can do a little bit of half-and-half, as long as the balance is tipping more towards the water.
But you’re drinking that, and then all of a sudden you’re switching all the way to water. You can do a little bit of half-and-half, as long as the balance is tipping more towards the water.
Chuck Gaidica:
So I know that you are big on water because you’ve admitted that, and you talked about these 20 ounce jugs. Sometimes they get so big, I start looking at people with them, and they have, it looks like a 55 gallon drum. They’re carrying around and it’s got the giant thick straw on it. But I’ve also noticed something else that’s anecdotal. Those people that I see, and every once in a while I’ll give them a little shot, a little jab that this thing looks like a bucket. I’ve noticed that whether they’re working at losing weight or they actually are trim and fit to begin with. There seems to be connectivity between the people that are drinking and hydrating, drinking a lot of water. And I’m sure that because they’re focused on their health, there’s other stuff. They’re working out more or something. I don’t know if there’s research that shows that. I’ve heard that if you drink more water, you lose weight. But to be fair, the people who I see that carry around the big ones tend to be a little more svelte.
So I know that you are big on water because you’ve admitted that, and you talked about these 20 ounce jugs. Sometimes they get so big, I start looking at people with them, and they have, it looks like a 55 gallon drum. They’re carrying around and it’s got the giant thick straw on it. But I’ve also noticed something else that’s anecdotal. Those people that I see, and every once in a while I’ll give them a little shot, a little jab that this thing looks like a bucket. I’ve noticed that whether they’re working at losing weight or they actually are trim and fit to begin with. There seems to be connectivity between the people that are drinking and hydrating, drinking a lot of water. And I’m sure that because they’re focused on their health, there’s other stuff. They’re working out more or something. I don’t know if there’s research that shows that. I’ve heard that if you drink more water, you lose weight. But to be fair, the people who I see that carry around the big ones tend to be a little more svelte.
Shanthi Appelö:
Well, one thing about carrying around a huge thing of water is that you’re constantly reminded to drink water. If it’s not in front of you, it’s hard to remember to drink it. The second thing is, oftentimes if you haven’t had enough water to drink, you can confuse your thirst for hunger. You may overconsume food if you didn’t have enough water to begin with. So that’s a part of that energy balance equation. But something else you said that I think is really funny is you were talking about those huge jugs, and they’re kind of hard to drink out of, right?
Well, one thing about carrying around a huge thing of water is that you’re constantly reminded to drink water. If it’s not in front of you, it’s hard to remember to drink it. The second thing is, oftentimes if you haven’t had enough water to drink, you can confuse your thirst for hunger. You may overconsume food if you didn’t have enough water to begin with. So that’s a part of that energy balance equation. But something else you said that I think is really funny is you were talking about those huge jugs, and they’re kind of hard to drink out of, right?
Chuck Gaidica:
Well, but they usually have that big straw. Why don’t you just run a hose over from the garden and just drink it at work?
Well, but they usually have that big straw. Why don’t you just run a hose over from the garden and just drink it at work?
Shanthi Appelö:
Yeah. Yeah. So personally, okay, this is such a weird thing, but I love the drinking out of these glasses. I know they’re small, but I just refill them over and over. And they just taste so good to drink out of them.
Yeah. Yeah. So personally, okay, this is such a weird thing, but I love the drinking out of these glasses. I know they’re small, but I just refill them over and over. And they just taste so good to drink out of them.
Chuck Gaidica:
Well, wait. Raise that again and talk… It looks so elegant. If you had one of those big 20 ounce jugs right now with a giant straw the size of a bazooka, it just would not look as elegant as… There you go. Look at this. It’s like you’re a spokesperson for water now.
Well, wait. Raise that again and talk… It looks so elegant. If you had one of those big 20 ounce jugs right now with a giant straw the size of a bazooka, it just would not look as elegant as… There you go. Look at this. It’s like you’re a spokesperson for water now.
Shanthi Appelö:
Yeah. So for those who are listening and not watching, there’s a glass that I really love drinking out of. And I just think that the water tastes better out of it. And it’s my water glass. So if you’re someone like that who just may not like to drink out of water bottles, there are solutions like that. Just carry a glass and a jug and you’re good.
Yeah. So for those who are listening and not watching, there’s a glass that I really love drinking out of. And I just think that the water tastes better out of it. And it’s my water glass. So if you’re someone like that who just may not like to drink out of water bottles, there are solutions like that. Just carry a glass and a jug and you’re good.
Chuck Gaidica:
Well, and to be fair, a lot of us have our favorite coffee mug right in the morning. And you’ve got your favorite water drinking glass.
Well, and to be fair, a lot of us have our favorite coffee mug right in the morning. And you’ve got your favorite water drinking glass.
Shanthi Appelö:
Yes.
Yes.
Chuck Gaidica:
And again, for anybody who’s not watching, there listening. It’s not like it’s made out of cut crystal with your initials on it. It’s a nice glass, but it’s a glass.
And again, for anybody who’s not watching, there listening. It’s not like it’s made out of cut crystal with your initials on it. It’s a nice glass, but it’s a glass.
Shanthi Appelö:
Yeah. Yeah. I like the weight of it. I like how thin the rim is. And yeah.
Yeah. Yeah. I like the weight of it. I like how thin the rim is. And yeah.
Chuck Gaidica:
You must be easy to shop for during the holidays?
You must be easy to shop for during the holidays?
Shanthi Appelö:
Just stock me up on these glasses again.
Just stock me up on these glasses again.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah. Okay. Good. Takeaways for us on this episode. Anything else you want to add, or reinforce for us all to think about?
Yeah. Okay. Good. Takeaways for us on this episode. Anything else you want to add, or reinforce for us all to think about?
Shanthi Appelö:
Yeah. I think whenever we’re thinking about water and it making up such a big part of our body and even more part of our brain, just think about the vital nature of it. All the things that it’s going to do for your body, for your joints, for your skin, for your brain fog. There are so many reasons to be drinking it for you to feel your best and perform your best. And I think that’s a good enough reason to be filling up your jug.
Yeah. I think whenever we’re thinking about water and it making up such a big part of our body and even more part of our brain, just think about the vital nature of it. All the things that it’s going to do for your body, for your joints, for your skin, for your brain fog. There are so many reasons to be drinking it for you to feel your best and perform your best. And I think that’s a good enough reason to be filling up your jug.
Chuck Gaidica:
Okay, good. Well, nice to see you. Thanks for bringing the glass along. Because we don’t have props every week, so this was nice.
Okay, good. Well, nice to see you. Thanks for bringing the glass along. Because we don’t have props every week, so this was nice.
Shanthi Appelö:
Always here for it.
Always here for it.
Chuck Gaidica:
Thanks. Shanthi Appelö is with us, registered dietician for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Thanks for listening to our show. If you want to know more about A Healthier Michigan Podcast, you can check us out online. Don’t forget, you can go to ahealthiermichigan.org/podcast. You can leave us a review or a rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify. You can always follow us too on Facebook or Instagram or Twitter. You can get new episodes, old episodes on your smartphone, tablet, any device you’ve got. Be sure you subscribe to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. All right, we’re done now. Time for you to get your water. I’m Chuck Gaidica. Be well.
Thanks. Shanthi Appelö is with us, registered dietician for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Thanks for listening to our show. If you want to know more about A Healthier Michigan Podcast, you can check us out online. Don’t forget, you can go to ahealthiermichigan.org/podcast. You can leave us a review or a rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify. You can always follow us too on Facebook or Instagram or Twitter. You can get new episodes, old episodes on your smartphone, tablet, any device you’ve got. Be sure you subscribe to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. All right, we’re done now. Time for you to get your water. I’m Chuck Gaidica. Be well.
