

It is also more common among adults ages 65 and older. Heart failure, a chronic condition that develops when the heart does not pump enough blood for the body’s needs, affects more than 6.2 million Americans, a little more than 2% of the population.

Their findings, which appear in the European Heart Journal, suggest that consuming sufficient amounts of fluids throughout life not only supports essential body functioning, but may also reduce the risk of severe heart problems in the future. Remember to check with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.Staying well-hydrated may be associated with a reduced risk for developing heart failure, according to researchers at the National Institutes of Health. And anyone with a heart condition, older than 50 or overweight should take extra precautions. Just sitting in the sun on a hot or humid day can cause your body to need more fluids. Staying hydrated isn’t only important during physical activity. He also warns again drinking fruit juice or sugary sodas, and it’s best to avoid drinks with caffeine as these can act as diuretics. “It’s healthier to drink water while you’re exercising, and then when you’re done, eat a healthy snack like orange slices, bananas or a small handful of unsalted nuts,” Batson says. Instead, the easiest indicator is the color of your urine: pale and clear means you’re hydrated dark means you need to drink more water, which is the best drink to keep you hydrated. “If you get thirsty, you’re already dehydrated,” Baston says. The best indicator that you need to drink more isn’t thirst. Some medications can act as diuretics, causing your body to lose more fluid than normal.

