PLAIN OLE WATER

Those who have been around my blog a while know I am quick to pass on any health hacks I run across. From cool ways to poop to raising the head of your bed to sleep better have been post topics.  I usually have the zeal of a newly minted Christian wanting to proselytize my readers with my discoveries. Well, I'm at it again.

Water--we all know we can't go three days with out it and we need to keep hydrated for a ton of reasons. I recently discovered one more reason.

As some of you know for the past two years I have wrestled with heart disease and have become a bit bionic in the process. With a pacemaker securely positioned, a stent opening a clogged artery and a 42 pound weight loss, I have felt pretty confident about waking up each morning.

Then early last week, my ole buddy AFIB (irregular and rapid heart beat)  returned. It had been two years and I thought I had put it behind me.  I was feeling pretty bummed when I remembered an email my brother-in-law had sent me recently about the importance water plays in heart health.

Wish I still had it but I deleted it thinking that it held nothing new for me. Sorry Bernie but thank you so much for sending it. Fortunately though the message stuck.

I got on the computer and did a little extra research seeking triggers for AFIB. Sure enough, dehydration is a major trigger. 

Thinking I had nothing to lose, I went to the kitchen and downed about 16 oz of water. In a really short amount of time my heart rate stabilized nicely.

Sometimes when you hear the various guide lines for how much water we should drink per day, it is a bit daunting.  Seniors are notorious for being dehydrated and I admit I gave water little value in my daily diet.

Now I have water constantly sitting on the counter and I hit it all day long. It isn't hard, just takes conscious effort.  Has the AFIB returned since the water therapy? Nope.

You may not have AFIB but perhaps you know someone who does.  They should not ignore medical care but there could be no harm drinking water on the way to get help but even better, staying hydrated thus removing one of the triggers. I plan to.

I am not saying that water cures heart problems and I do have an appointment with my cardiologist.  What I am saying is that why do we fight incorporating such a simple, necessary life force into our daily life that can be effective? We don't have to feel thirsty to be dehydrated.

Think we all remember seeing Hillary Clinton unable to walk unaided to her car during the election then hours later appearing fine while sipping on water. Yep--dehydration was her diagnosis.

Dehydration is serious and you don't have to be face down in a desert or exercising vigorously to realize the effects. Mine hit me while sitting at the computer.

Hope this makes you a little more conscious about making sure you are getting enough water in your diet.

Drink deeply, live long and prosper.