Categories: Lifestyle

The Benefits Of Hydration For Swallowing Disorders

Dysphagia can cause a range of complications. People who live with this condition often suffer from nutritional deficiencies. That, alone can lead to numerous issues, such as decreased immunity, slow healing, weakness, and fatigue. They’re at an increased risk of choking and developing aspiration pneumonia as well.

Many dysphagia sufferers avoid eating in public and having meals with loved ones because they’re afraid they’ll choke on their foods and beverages in front of other people. That increases the risk of depression and isolation.

Swallowing liquids without aspirating them can be particularly difficult for people with dysphagia. Because of that, many don’t take in enough fluids. As such, dehydration is a common problem.

Measures like using nectar to thicken food and beverages can prevent dysphagia sufferers from becoming dehydrated, and that provides a variety of benefits.

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Maintaining Electrolyte Balance

One of the benefits of staying hydrated is maintaining electrolyte balance. Electrolyte imbalances can cause numerous problems. They lead to swelling in the face, arms, legs, hands, and feet. They can also cause headaches, confusion, a lack of concentration, muscle cramps, and dizziness.

They may lead to a rapid heartbeat and kidney issues too. Electrolyte imbalances are often associated with athletes, people who are extremely physically active, and those who are exposed to extreme heat. They can happen to anyone, though, especially those who don’t take in enough fluids.

Preventing Low Blood Pressure

Another benefit of proper hydration is preventing low blood pressure. Inadequate fluid intake reduces blood volume, which causes a drop in blood pressure. That can be extremely dangerous. It can prevent blood from reaching the organs properly, which can cause serious damage.

It also increases the risk of shock, which can be deadly. Low blood pressure brings about other potential complications as well, such as dizziness, disorientation, and an increased risk of falls. Staying hydrated maintains blood volume and keeps the blood circulating the way it should.

Preventing Kidney Issues And Urinary Tract Infections

Dehydration is known to cause kidney issues and urinary tract infections as well. As mentioned, it prevents the blood from reaching vital organs. At the same time, when people don’t consume enough fluids, their kidneys can’t flush away toxins properly.

In turn, those toxins build up in the body where they can cause inflammation and other problems. Furthermore, dehydration prompts the body to produce more concentrated urine to conserve fluids. That may increase the risk of developing kidney stones and additional issues.

Over time, dehydration can cause severe kidney damage. Adequate hydration helps to prevent all those problems.

Reducing The Risk Of Heart Disease And Failure

Proper hydration can likewise reduce the risk of developing heart disease and failure. It enables the blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to all the organs, including the heart. That helps to keep the heart strong and working properly.

It also prevents the heart from having to work as hard to pump blood throughout the body. Dehydration tends to cause blood vessel constriction and an increased heart rate as well, both of which can take a toll on the heart over time.

Taking in enough fluids keeps those issues at bay.

Staying Healthy Through Proper Hydration

Dehydration can be a problem for anyone, but people who live with dysphagia are at a particularly high risk of becoming dehydrated. That places them at an increased risk of developing numerous health issues. Staying hydrated reduces those dangers and helps keep people with swallowing disorders healthy.