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There was the giantStanley tumbler trendandTikToks sexy water craze.
Theres the fact that everyone has sparkling water in their fridge andelectrolyte mixesin their pantry.
And now, hydration tech has entered in the chat.
Its easier to drink water when its loaded with flavor and within arms reach at all times.
The main advice my urologist gave me was to drink more water.
Chicago-based registered dietitian who specializes in kidney stones
Like, a lot more water.
She recommended closer to 4 liters, more than double what I thought I needed.
How could I have gotten my own hydration so wrong?
For example, those recommendations dont take into consideration if youre prone to kidney stones, like me.
We certainly know [dehydration], says Betz.
But theres not a definition of how hydrated you should be to really feel good.
So, if there are no true guidelines to hydration, how can you determine whatyouneed?
Smart hydration tech to hydrate smarter
Enter hydration trackers in their many forms.
This is especially true for older adults or people who are less likely to feel thirsty.
Chicago-based registered dietitian who specializes in kidney stones
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How was I going to adjust my hydration plan further?
Enter: new hydration wearables to very specifically adjust my needs.
The two products I tested are similar in scope, measuring your sweat and electrolyte loss throughout a session.
The first product,Nix, is a sensor you attach to your arm via a recyclable patch.
The hDrop app even includes a tutorial on setup and how to interpret your data.
The hDrop app was a little more detailed breaking down electrolytes specifically into sodium and potassium.
I was impressed by the real-time readings from each and the personalized recommendations based on your sweat profile.
The Nix biosensor will even give you notifications mid-activity when its time to drink up.
However, theyre not necessary for everyone and should be used alongside your natural thirst cues, he adds.
That watch is expected to launch in 2025.
Another,Geca, will track only hydration, continuously, all day.
It promises to notify the user when they are dehydrating and give water intake recommendations.
It is also slated to launch in the fall.
As for non-wearable tech, Betz recommendsHidrate Sparkfor the clients she works with.
And it can integrate with Apple Watch, Fitbit, and Garmin watches.
Itsactually been provento get people to drink more water, says Betz.
Beyond devices
Not into experimenting and DIY-ing your health like I am?
A dietitian can take in all the factors discussed above and help you devise a plan.
Theyll assess your body composition, your nutrition, and your medical history.
Theyll order blood work and urinalysis.
Then, they can help you come with a plan for how much you better hydrate to stay well.
Everyones hydration needs are different, so its important to listen to your body, says Dr. Dasgupta.
But if ou struggle with drinking wateror getting enough electrolytes while exercisingthen theres nothing wrong with getting some help.
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