Bone Health Technologies launches OsteoBoost vibrating belt to combat loss of bone density
One of the most debilitating and potentially deadly effects of aging is the loss of bone density, but a Bay Area startup has launched a unique device that a study showed can help slow that process.
Called OsteoBoost, the device is a vibrating belt that sends "low-amplitude, high-frequency" vibrations to the hips and spine, according to a de novo approval that the Food and Drug Administration that was granted early last year. The belt is designed for postmenopausal women with low bone density, or osteopenia — a precursor to osteoporosis — and can be worn throughout the day without impeding normal daily activities like walking.
The startup was developed by Redwood City-based Bone Health Technologies, a startup that was spun out of a San Francisco-based medical device incubator called TheraNova in 2018. It's one of a handful of companies focused on addressing women's health issues, and has raised $11 million from investors including Esplanade Ventures, Berkeley Catalyst Fund and Terumo Medical.
Although bone density loss affects all bodies, women are particularly vulnerable due to the impact of menopause, which causes accelerated aging from the rapid decline of the hormone estrogen. Around one-third of people older than 50 are estimated to have osteopenia in the U.S., according to the Cleveland Clinic.
"You look in the App Store, for instance, under osteoporosis, there's not much there compared to diabetes or depression or high blood pressure, which, of course, are also very important," Bone Health CEO Laura Yecies said. "I believe this deserves that level of attention, and we shouldn't just accept that older women get frail."
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Business Upturn
5 hours ago
- Business Upturn
MobilityMD Introduces Clean, Ingredient-First Approach to Joint Comfort and Flexibility in 2025
Salt Lake City, Aug. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only. The information contained herein does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). MobilityMD is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement, routine, or health program. Some links in this release may be promotional in nature and may lead to third-party websites. The publisher or author may receive compensation through affiliate commissions if a purchase is made through these links. This compensation does not affect the price you pay and helps support continued research and content publication. Results described or implied may not be typical and should not be interpreted as guarantees. Statements made about ingredients or outcomes reflect public discussion and historical usage only, and are not endorsed by medical professionals or regulatory agencies. Always do your own research and make informed decisions. Joint comfort and flexibility are vital for maintaining an active, independent lifestyle — whether it's enjoying daily walks, engaging in sports, or simply moving through the day without stiffness. The conversation around joint health is shifting toward preventative, natural options that align with long-term wellness goals in 2025. MobilityMD has emerged as part of this dialogue, offering a joint support formula built on a foundation of purity, ingredient transparency, and thoughtful formulation. While it avoids overpromising results, the supplement positions itself within the growing category of wellness products designed to complement healthy movement and an active lifestyle. Discover how MobilityMD's carefully selected ingredients are shaping the conversation around joint wellness in 2025. SECTION 1: WHY INTEREST IN 'THE SECRET, PURE INGREDIENT TO SUPPORT HEALTHY JOINTS' IS SURGING IN 2025 Joint health has become a central focus for people of all ages in 2025 — from active adults looking to preserve mobility to those seeking extra support for daily comfort. This growing attention is reflected in online search trends, with Google reporting increases in queries like 'natural joint support,' 'supplements for flexibility,' and 'best ingredients for mobility.' The public is no longer just looking for quick fixes; instead, there is heightened curiosity around long-term strategies that integrate into a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Part of this shift comes from the broader wellness movement, where consumers prioritize transparency, clean sourcing, and minimal additives in the products they choose. Social media platforms, wellness podcasts, and fitness forums are filled with discussions comparing ingredient profiles, sharing personal experiences, and evaluating which formulas fit into individual health routines. MobilityMD has entered this conversation not by making sweeping claims, but by highlighting its focus on purity and thoughtful formulation. This aligns with the expectations of today's wellness-conscious consumers, who often seek products designed to complement an active lifestyle without relying on unnecessary fillers or synthetic additives. SECTION 2: MOBILITYMD'S INGREDIENT-FIRST RESPONSE TO THESE TRENDS MobilityMD was developed with a clear focus on sourcing and formulation choices that align with the modern consumer's expectations for clean, purposeful supplementation. Rather than relying on heavily processed or synthetic compounds, the formula incorporates naturally derived ingredients that have been historically discussed for their association with mobility and joint comfort. Each component is chosen with the intent to complement an active lifestyle while avoiding unnecessary additives that do not contribute to the product's purpose. The ingredient selection process emphasizes purity and transparency. This includes providing clear information about sourcing, composition, and function so that consumers can make informed choices about what they put into their bodies. The formulation also considers how different ingredients work together, aiming for a balanced profile that fits into a variety of health routines — from daily wellness habits to more targeted mobility-focused regimens. Importantly, MobilityMD avoids making direct medical claims. Instead, it positions itself as part of a broader wellness strategy, one that supports consumers in pursuing movement-friendly lifestyles while staying mindful of ingredient integrity. Discover how MobilityMD's ingredient transparency reflects the growing demand for cleaner, more purposeful joint support supplements. SECTION 3: INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT – WHAT'S INSIDE THE FORMULA The foundation of MobilityMD lies in a carefully curated selection of naturally derived ingredients, each frequently discussed in wellness circles for their historical associations with joint comfort and mobility. While the product avoids making direct health claims, it draws on a blend that reflects both tradition and modern supplement formulation trends. Key components often include botanical extracts that have been explored for their potential to support overall wellness, minerals that play a role in maintaining balanced body functions, and naturally occurring compounds that have been studied for their relevance to healthy aging. Each ingredient is chosen with attention to purity, potency, and its ability to integrate seamlessly into a daily health regimen. MobilityMD also emphasizes the importance of what's left out of the formula. There are no unnecessary fillers, artificial colors, or synthetic preservatives — a choice that resonates with consumers who are mindful of every element they consume. This focus on clean composition positions the supplement within the growing category of wellness products designed for individuals who prioritize ingredient integrity as much as potential functional benefits. SECTION 4: WHAT REDDIT, PODCASTS & TIKTOK CREATORS ARE SAYING Conversations about joint health supplements have expanded well beyond traditional advertising channels in 2025. On Reddit, wellness and fitness communities are filled with discussions about ingredient quality, transparency, and the importance of long-term consistency in supplementation. Users frequently share their experiences with products that align with clean-label trends, and MobilityMD has been mentioned in threads that focus on naturally derived joint support options. Podcasts in the health and wellness space often highlight how consumers are becoming more discerning about supplement choices. Guests on these shows frequently emphasize reading ingredient labels, understanding sourcing, and looking for products that complement an active lifestyle. MobilityMD's ingredient-focused approach aligns with these ongoing discussions, making it a relevant part of broader wellness dialogues. On TikTok, creators in the fitness, yoga, and lifestyle categories are producing short-form content around joint-friendly routines, mobility exercises, and supplement habits that fit into a balanced regimen. While these creators don't make specific claims about results, they often showcase how clean-label supplements can be integrated alongside movement practices to support overall wellness. Learn why MobilityMD is appearing in more conversations about clean, transparent joint support in 2025. SECTION 5: WHO MIGHT BE DRAWN TO THIS TYPE OF SUPPLEMENTATION IN 2025 MobilityMD appeals to a wide range of individuals who prioritize maintaining joint comfort and flexibility as part of their overall wellness goals. Active adults, including those who enjoy walking, hiking, yoga, or recreational sports, may be drawn to the idea of a supplement that aligns with their lifestyle without unnecessary additives. Professionals who spend long hours sitting or standing may also find the clean-label approach appealing, as they look for ways to support movement and ease in daily routines. Similarly, older adults seeking to remain active and independent often look for supplements with a transparent ingredient list that avoids synthetic fillers or artificial preservatives. The eco-conscious and health-conscious crowd is another natural audience for MobilityMD. For these individuals, supplement choice is about more than potential functional benefits — it's about knowing that the formula is built on pure, purposeful components. This aligns with the broader wellness movement of 2025, where consumers increasingly value products that support their personal health goals while also reflecting their ethical and environmental values. SECTION 6: EMERGING WELLNESS & PERFORMANCE INNOVATION – 2025 MARKET REFLECTIONS The wellness and supplement market in 2025 reflects a distinct shift toward ingredient transparency, clean-label formulations, and products that fit seamlessly into long-term health routines. Consumers are increasingly skeptical of overpromising claims and are instead prioritizing supplements that are clear about their composition and intended role in a balanced lifestyle. This has created a strong market for products like MobilityMD, which position themselves as part of a broader wellness toolkit rather than a one-step solution. This trend is driven in part by the rise of self-education in health and nutrition. With more information available online than ever before, people are researching ingredients, comparing labels, and making purchasing decisions based on both scientific discussion and personal values. Social media platforms, wellness blogs, and community forums all contribute to this heightened awareness, creating a consumer base that demands higher standards from supplement brands. Within this environment, joint health remains a high-priority category. As active lifestyles, desk-based work, and healthy aging all intersect, the demand for products that align with everyday mobility needs continues to grow. MobilityMD's focus on purity and purposeful formulation allows it to stand out in a competitive market where consumers are looking for supplements that are as trustworthy as they are functional. Discover why MobilityMD is part of the new wave of clean, ingredient-first wellness products in 2025. SECTION 7: THE PUBLIC DEBATE AROUND JOINT HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS – SIGNALS, SKEPTICISM, AND SATURATION The conversation around joint health supplements in 2025 is both active and divided. Supporters often point to the importance of staying proactive with mobility support, highlighting the role of clean, naturally derived ingredients in long-term wellness routines. They value brands that offer transparency and avoid unnecessary additives, seeing these products as part of a broader strategy to maintain active, comfortable movement. Skeptics, however, question whether supplements are necessary for everyone and emphasize the need for realistic expectations. They often stress that lifestyle habits — such as regular movement, balanced nutrition, and proper hydration — form the foundation of joint health, with supplementation serving as a complement rather than a replacement. Neutral observers see the market as one experiencing rapid expansion, but also increased scrutiny. With many brands competing for attention, consumers are becoming more selective, favoring companies that provide clear ingredient information and maintain a consistent focus on product integrity. For products like MobilityMD, standing out means continuing to align with the values of informed, wellness-conscious buyers while avoiding overreaching claims. SECTION 8: ABOUT MOBILITYMD MobilityMD was created with a clear mission — to offer a joint support supplement that prioritizes purity, ingredient transparency, and alignment with modern wellness values. The brand focuses on sourcing naturally derived components that have been historically discussed in wellness communities for their association with mobility and comfort, while avoiding unnecessary additives or synthetic fillers. Every aspect of the product, from formulation to packaging, reflects a commitment to integrity. MobilityMD positions itself not as a quick-fix solution, but as part of a balanced lifestyle that may include movement practices, mindful nutrition, and regular self-care. By maintaining a clear, educational approach to its ingredients and purpose, the brand builds trust with consumers seeking a supplement that fits seamlessly into their long-term wellness routines. In a supplement landscape crowded with exaggerated promises, MobilityMD stands out for its straightforward, ingredient-first philosophy — offering a choice for those who value both product quality and transparency. See how MobilityMD's ingredient-focused approach is resonating with today's wellness-conscious consumers. SECTION 9: CONTACT MobilityMD – Clean, Ingredient-First Joint Support – Clean, Ingredient-First Joint Support Email: [email protected] Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only. The information contained herein does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). MobilityMD is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement, routine, or health program. Some links in this release may be promotional in nature and may lead to third-party websites. The publisher or author may receive compensation through affiliate commissions if a purchase is made through these links. This compensation does not affect the price you pay and helps support continued research and content publication. Results described or implied may not be typical and should not be interpreted as guarantees. Statements made about ingredients or outcomes reflect public discussion and historical usage only, and are not endorsed by medical professionals or regulatory agencies. Always do your own research and make informed decisions. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
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10 hours ago
- Miami Herald
As Miami-Dade faces budget crunch, fight over healthcare heads for a showdown
Managing healthcare bills for Miami-Dade's roughly 31,000 county employees is big business, and that's prompting a big fight at the County Commission. At issue is a proposal by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to drop the county's longtime healthcare provider, AvMed, for a national competitor, Aetna — something the mayor claims would save the county about $40 million as it faces a major budget crunch. The fight to win the county's healthcare contract has gotten messy enough that commissioners are holding a special meeting Wednesday dedicated solely to picking a winner. AvMed, based in Doral, argues Levine Cava is rushing the effort ahead of a fall open-enrollment period that's bound to be chaotic if a new provider takes over. AvMed also points to high customer-service rankings as a selling point — particularly with management based in the Miami area. But Levine Cava points to a pair of consultant studies showing that Aetna's national purchasing power would bring Miami-Dade cheaper healthcare costs in a year of budget strains. AvMed, based in Doral, and Aetna, a Connecticut-based subsidiary of the CVS drugstore chain, each want to manage the crucial billing process — including reimbursement rates for healthcare providers. Unions representing county employees are divided. The police union backs keeping AvMed, while the transit union wants to switch to Aetna. In a recent Miami Herald op-ed, Levine Cava said Aetna will bring both savings and expanded options for county employees. 'Partnering with Aetna means not only financial savings for the county but better healthcare access and quality for our workforce,' she wrote. AvMed, which has contracts across Florida, rejects the notion that Aetna will be cheaper for Miami-Dade and points to a recent J.D. Power ranking giving it the top scores for customer service in Florida. AvMed first won the county contract in 2016 and is encouraging Miami-Dade to stick with a healthcare company that has proven itself. 'By continuing its partnership with AvMed, Miami-Dade County can ensure uninterrupted access to the #1 ranked health plan in Florida,' the company said in a statement, referencing the J.D. Power ranking. If the county switches providers, Aetna would earn administrative fees from Miami-Dade worth about $15 million a year. AvMed's fees are lower, at $10 million. But the fight comes over the much larger county expense involved in the agreement: what Miami-Dade pays providers for medical care and supplies, including prescriptions. Like most large governments, Miami-Dade uses its own cash to pay medical expenses, rather than relying on an insurance company to reimburse providers. Under the 'self-insured' model, Miami-Dade can save money if reimbursement rates drop for doctors, pharmacies and other providers used by county employees. Miami-Dade's medical expenses currently hover around $600 million a year, according to county estimates. The county's insurance company negotiates the rates behind those expenses, and Aetna claims it can lower Miami-Dade's healthcare costs over the life of the seven-year contract. Two healthcare consultants hired by Miami-Dade back up that contention, estimating yearly savings of around $40 million when calculating how much the county would pay under each competitor's reimbursement rates. Commissioners have devoted a rare special meeting to deciding the contract award, placing board members in the position of refereeing between competing claims in the complicated realm of healthcare finances and reimbursement rates. 'I'm not for Aetna. I'm not for AvMed,' Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez said during a July 16 discussion of the healthcare contract. 'I'm for whatever is best for the employees of Miami-Dade County.'
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
12 Hydration Mistakes Leaving You Parched, According to Experts
On the most basic level, you're probably well aware that drinking water = good, and skimping on it, especially when the weather heats up, is, well, the exact opposite. But in practice, the issue is a little more nuanced. In fact, there's a high probability that you may be making a few key hydration mistakes without even knowing it, which can be leaving you foggy, lethargic, and all-around not feeling your best. Of course, proper hydration is important any time of year, since adequate fluid intake is essential to pretty much every process that takes place in your body, from thinking to pooping, but it's especially critical during hot weather. Heat and humidity both cause increased sweating, resulting in a far faster rate of water loss. Because of this, you're at much higher risk of dehydration in warm weather—and you need to take in more fluid to make up for the difference. 'Not drinking enough water can impair both physical and mental performance, and in extreme cases, it can lead to serious complications like heat stroke or kidney problems,' Jennah Morgan, MD, an emergency medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, tells SELF. Put another way: 'In order for our bodies to function properly, we have to be hydrated,' Cindy Nelson, associate professor at Utah State University Extension, tells SELF. Ultimately, this makes it all the more important to make sure that your fluid intake is doing what you want it to do. (Think you can chug a few glasses of liquid over the course of the day and be golden? That approach definitely leaves room for improvement, according to experts.) If that sounds like you, you're far from alone in misunderstanding the hydration assignment: Generally, a few patterns of error 'tend to come up often,' Dr. Morgan says. Read on to learn about 12 common hydration mistakes that could leave you falling short in the fluid department. 1. You see eight glasses per day as a nonnegotiable. Even though eight glasses is often framed as the universal standard for hydration, the belief that it's some sort of one-size-fits-all magic number 'really is a myth,' Nelson says. Rather, the 'ideal amount' is highly individualized because it depends on a bunch of different factors: age, weight, activity level, overall health, and more, she says. 'There isn't really a set amount you should drink every day.' That said, most folks would actually benefit from more than eight glasses per day, according to current guidelines. As SELF previously reported, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies actually recommends 2.7 liters (11 cups) and 3.7 liters (nearly 16 cups) for women and men ages 19 to 30, respectively. If you're hesitant to go by a blanket rec, you can use your body weight as a metric, Anthea Levi, MS, RD, CDN, a Brooklyn-based health writer and founder of Alive+Well Nutrition, tells SELF. 'Most people will benefit from drinking about half of their body weight in ounces of water daily,' Levi says—say, 75 ounces for a 150-pound person. Per the American Heart Association, the easiest way to determine if you're adequately hydrated is to check the color of your pee. Rather than dark yellow or even amber, 'aim for pale yellow,' Dr. Morgan says. Besides darkened pee, you also might notice other side effects if you're dehydrated, like fatigue, bad breath, dry mouth, and sugar cravings. 'Brain fog and headaches,' too, Nelson adds. 2. You wait until you're thirsty to drink… Thirst is a frequently misinterpreted sensation. Rather than your sign to start hydrating, it's actually more of an alarm bell flagging that you're overdue, according to Nelson. 'By that point, you may already be mildly dehydrated,' Dr. Morgan says. In fact, the sensation of thirst typically doesn't kick in until you've lost more than 1.5 liters of water through bodily processes like breathing, peeing, and sweating—so don't wait until then to drink something. The goal: 'Steady, proactive hydration,' Dr. Morgan says. Which leads us straight into our next point… 3. …and then you play catch-up. Sipping small amounts of fluid over a long period of time is a much better approach to hydration than chugging a large amount all at once. Basically, 'it's better to spread it out throughout the day and not wait,' Nelson says. Not only does this reduce your dehydration risk ('You're not going to go into a deficit as easily,' Nelson says), it'll also be easier on your stomach, preventing bloating and discomfort. Seriously, consistency is key. Besides, Dr. Morgan notes, it's not like chugging will instantly bring you back to baseline and fix any dehydration-related issues you might be experiencing: This way, 'your body won't absorb it all at once,' she explains. Plus, Nelson points out, delaying the bulk of your fluid intake until late in the afternoon or evening could disrupt your sleep since you'll likely have to get up to pee during the night. 4. You skimp on fluids around your workout. Hydrating is important regardless of your activity level, but it becomes even more pressing when you have exercise on the docket. 'It's important to pre-hydrate and also post-hydrate,' Nelson says. Running low on H2O right off the bat can affect your athletic performance in a number of ways (like raising your risk of cramps, hurting concentration and focus, and reducing flexibility, speed, and stamina), so drinking enough beforehand can help you show out to the best of your abilities. Meanwhile, all that exertion will dehydrate you faster (thanks, sweat!), so drinking enough afterward aids in recovery. Blanket fluid recs are hard to make for athletes, too, but in general, they should shoot to drink 17 to 20 ounces of fluid two hours before exercising, and seven to 10 ounces every 10 to 20 minutes while exercising, per the American Council on Exercise. Weigh yourself before and after, and drink at least 20 ounces of water for every pound lost through sweat. 5. You don't keep track of your intake. Take it from Dr. Morgan: It's shockingly easy to end up in the red. 'A lot of people simply get busy and don't realize how little they've had to drink,' she says. That's why, Nelson says, you should be 'really intentional' in your approach to hydration—'knowing where you're at to start with and whether you need to improve.' Once people start documenting their intake, they're typically surprised by their actual total, she adds. If you struggle with remembering to drink (or you're prone to distractions), try keeping a water bottle on hand as both a visual aid prompting you to sip and a measuring tool quantifying the amount. Plus, this hack can help you portion out your fluids. Say you have a hydration goal of 60 ounces per day, for example. By 11 a.m., you should be around 20 ounces in; by 4 p.m., 40 ounces. This way, 'you kind of have a schedule,' Nelson says. Setting a timer for every 15 to 20 minutes can also be helpful. 6. You blow off water-rich foods. News flash: You don't necessarily have to drink a huge amount in order to hit your daily hydration goal. In some cases, eating can actually benefit your bottom line, Nelson says. Because certain foods consist almost entirely of H2O (as in, upward of 90%!), treating yourself to high-water-content items like fruits and veggies can contribute to your overall fluid intake—especially if you're teetering right on the edge of adequate hydration. To be clear, you shouldn't rely solely on food for all your daily water, according to Levi: We 'definitely need to drink' still, she says. With that caveat out of the way, strong options include oranges (88% water), cantaloupe (90%), strawberries (92%), watermelon (92%), zucchini (94%), cucumbers (95%), and lettuce (96%), not to mention liquid foods like soups, smoothies, and shakes. In fact, it's estimated that around 20% of your daily intake actually has food as its source. 7. You pile on the electrolytes. Quick overview in case the term 'electrolytes' is just a fitness buzzword to you: They're 'minerals that carry an electrical charge and support fluid balance throughout the body,' Levi says. So sodium, potassium, and magnesium play an important role in the overarching hydration conversation. That said, it's a mistake to think that electrolyte-rich drinks are automatically better than plain water—or that everyone needs extra electrolytes in the first place, according to Levi. In most cases, a balanced diet should actually provide all you need. For example, potassium can be found in 'beans, bananas, avocado, and Greek yogurt,' Levi says. And pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and nuts are great food sources of magnesium. Meanwhile, beverages like bone broth, smoothies, and unsweetened coconut water can also help you re-up if necessary (though Levi cautions that the hype around coconut water is seriously overblown). In reality, electrolyte drinks (like Gatorade and Powerade) and supplemental electrolytes (like Liquid IV or Gatorade Thirst Quencher powder) are best suited to a small population of people: competitive athletes, folks spending extended intervals in intense heat, and anyone else who's losing a considerable amount of fluids in a short period of time, according to Levi. 'For these groups, electrolyte-rich drinks can be helpful for swift rehydration,' she says. But for the average healthy person? 'Daily electrolyte supplementation is not a requirement.' (Here's more info on whether you should try electrolyte packets.) What's more, Nelson adds, many of these drinks and supplements contain a ton of sugar, an ingredient that can actually hurt your hydration mission. 8. You rely too heavily on sugary drinks… 'While all types of drinks will supply fluid, we want to be mindful of what types of beverages we're relying on to stay hydrated,' Levi says. Not all are created equal: Sugary types—think sodas, coffees made with sweet syrups, and many fruit juices, according to Levi—'may taste refreshing, but they don't hydrate as efficiently as water,' Dr. Morgan says. They can even have a dehydrating effect, since the sugar molecules pull water out of your body and into your blood. What's more, sugary beverages can also have other health downsides. They can hurt your energy levels by causing the infamous 'sugar crash,' Dr. Morgan adds. (To compound the problem, dehydration itself can also make you feel sluggish, so you could be in for a potential double whammy of fatigue.) And routinely overloading on sugar can also raise your risk of metabolic disease in the long term, according to Levi. Instead, use water as your go-to beverage (and if the plain stuff doesn't appeal, keep on reading). 9. …or those heavy on caffeine or carbonation. In addition to sugary beverages, you'll also want to limit carbonated and caffeinated ones, according to Nelson. 'Carbonation will make you feel full so you feel like you've drunk more fluid than you actually have,' limiting your intake and making it tough to stay adequately hydrated,' she says. The bubbles are also associated with GI issues like bloating and gas as well as dental wear and tear, according to Levi. Meanwhile, caffeine can cause you to pee and poop more, accelerating fluid loss and promoting dehydration. It can also trigger side effects like nausea, shakiness, anxiety, and poor sleep, as anyone who's ever overindulged knows all too well. Cap your caffeine intake at 400 milligrams or less per day (around two to three 12-fluid-ounce cups, max), Levi recommends. 10. Or, on the flip side, you force yourself to stick entirely to fluids you just don't enjoy. The blandness of water can be a big turnoff. Many folks simply don't drink it often because, well, they don't like the taste compared to the more flavorful beverages out there—so if tweaking the taste will help, do it! If making that change means you'll drink more, 'that's a real benefit,' Nelson says. To impart a light boost, try adding fruit or vegetable infusions, according to Nelson. Per Levi, you can do this by squeezing in some fresh lime or lemon juice, popping in some frozen berries, or adding fresh mint or basil leaves. This way, your H2O will be a bit more palatable (and thus easier for you to swallow, literally), but it'll still provide all the same hydration benefits. (And a hint for active people seeking more punch in their post-workout beverage: Chocolate milk makes 'a pretty good recovery drink,' Nelson says.) 11. You don't adjust your fluid intake, like, ever. Your hydration needs aren't fixed; they can fluctuate depending on your situation. Like we mentioned earlier, 'you need more fluids when you're active or it's hot out,' Dr. Morgan says, but other risk factors can also boost your hydration needs, like illness. In the event of fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, 'we're going to lose a lot of those fluids, so then we have to replenish them,' Nelson says. Other potential dehydration risk factors include alcohol and some medications, like laxatives, diuretics, and oral meds for type 2 diabetes. 12. And finally, you assume that more is always better. It's a classic case of too much of a good thing: 'Drinking enough water is essential for steady energy levels and healthy digestion,' but at the same time, it is possible to do it to excess—and even to the point of endangering your health, Levi says. Downing a ton over one to two hours can pose hazards like water intoxication, a.k.a. hyponatremia, the medical term for dangerously low sodium levels in the blood. 'Hyponatremia can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness and, in extreme cases, seizures or comas,' Levi says. To be clear, however, these kinds of severe side effects are rare: 'You'd likely have to chug a full gallon of water in an hour to be at risk,' she adds. (A more common occurrence? Like we mentioned above, you pound so much at once that your body can't actually absorb it efficiently.) So what are the signs that you've been a little overzealous in your hydration mission? Clear pee, for one. Just as you can gauge whether you're dehydrated by the color of your urine—remember, dark yellow indicates you need to drink more—so it can also tell you whether you're overhydrated. When your, ahem, output has no hue, it's a sign that you've gone overboard. Related: The Best Way to Treat Dry Mouth, No Matter the Cause How to Cool Down Fast When You're Hot, Cranky, and Just Can't Stop Sweating The Best Hydration Products To Help You Drink More Water Get more of SELF's great service journalism delivered right to your inbox. Originally Appeared on Self
