We all know staying hydrated is important. But how much water should you really be drinking each day? Show You’ve likely heard sources claiming the “right” amount to be anything from four to 12 cups per day. However, the daily amount of water a person needs can be significantly individualized. For example, while four to six cups of water per day may be sufficient for the average healthy person when they are doing minimal physical activity, that number increases for people who exercise frequently. Furthermore, certain health conditions may require reduced water consumption, while other conditions may necessitate increased water intake. Also, if you have a fever or an infection, or if you are losing fluids through vomiting or diarrhea, you may need to drink more water than usual to keep up or replace fluid losses. In addition, certain types of medications require that people decrease or increase their water intake. In all of these situations, it is best to follow a doctor’s guidance about the specific amount of water your body needs. Other factors that affect how much water you need include:
Ways to Maintain Good HydrationHow do you know how much water your individual body needs? Rather than focusing on a specific daily amount, some experts recommend drinking water at a slow rate throughout the day. Hydration is easiest to achieve if constantly managed, so continually drinking water keeps your body in a consistent state of hydration. “If your goal is to drink 64 ounces (8 cups) of water per day,” says UH registered dietitian Jennifer Kerner, “consider dividing the goal between three periods of the day, which would amount to about 2 to 3 cups in the morning, 2 to 3 cups during the afternoon, and 2 to 3 cups in the evening.” You should also be aware of signs of dehydration, which include feeling weak, confused and dizzy; experiencing frequent headaches; and making urine that is dark in color. Benefits of Drinking WaterIn case you need further motivation to stay hydrated, here are just a few of the ways water can help your body function at a high level:
Lastly, here are some tips for staying hydrated:
Related LinksJennifer Kerner is a registered dietitian at University Hospitals Digestive Health Institute. Specializing in the provision of high-quality health care for patients with digestive and liver disorders and diseases, UH Digestive Health Institute is composed of gastroenterologists, hepatologists and surgeons working with nurses, dietitians and other providers – all committed to digestive health. For more information on UH Digestive Health Institute's services, call 866-844-2273. About 60% of your body weight is made of water. You need it for every single body function. It flushes toxins from your organs, carries nutrients to your cells, cushions your joints, and helps you digest
the food you eat. If you don’t get enough water, you can become dehydrated. Severe cases of dehydration can cause dizziness,
confusion, and even seizures. That’s why it’s important to get the water as your body needs every day. No set amount is right for everyone. How much you need can depend on your size, how much exercise you do, how hot the weather is, and other things. Your doctor can help you determine what’s right for you. We’ve all heard that 8 glasses of water each day is best. But the truth is, how much water you need varies. But there are some basic guidelines: If you’re outside on a hot day, or doing something that makes you sweat a lot, you’ll need to drink more fluids to stay hydrated. The same is true if you have an illness that causes you to throw up, have
diarrhea, or run a fever. If you have a condition like heart failure or a particular type of
kidney disease, you may need to limit your fluid intake. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you. Like adults, how much water children need depends on many things, like their age, how much they weigh, and their gender. Other things that play
a role include how healthy and active they are, and what the climate is like where they live. In general, children and teens need about 6 to 8 cups of water a day. They should also eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies, which are full of water. During play or exercise, a good goal
is to drink a half cup to 2 cups of water every 15 to 20 minutes. Water helps to keep you healthy in a number of ways. When you drink enough, it: Your recommended water intake includes all sources -- drinking water, other beverages, and food. But be careful -- certain fluids have their drawbacks. For instance, juices, sodas, and smoothies can be hydrating, but they can also be high in sugar and
calories. Coffee and tea provide water, too. But, they also contain caffeine, which can make you lose
more water when you pee. Most healthy people can safely drink about 2 to 4 8-ounce cups of coffee each day. Scale back if it makes you feel anxious or jittery. Alcoholic drinks contain water, too. But like
caffeine, they actually cause you to lose more water through your urine. This can lead to dehydration. Sports
drinks have a high water content. They also contain carbohydrates and electrolytes, which can help you absorb water and keep your energy levels up. During intense workouts, they help to replace salt lost through sweat. But be careful: many also contain lots of extra calories,
sugar, and salt. Check the nutrition label. Pay attention to the serving size, and limit how many you drink. Energy drinks are different from sports drinks. They contain sugar, as well as stimulants, like caffeine -- often in high doses. Many doctors recommend that children and teens avoid them. And don’t forget foods! Fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, iceberg lettuce, celery, and watermelon are over 90% water. They also provide a variety of different vitamins and minerals. Refreshing! It’s rare if you’re a healthy adult who eats a regular American diet. But
it can happen. If you drink a lot of water but your kidneys can’t get rid of the excess, you could develop a condition doctors call “hyponatremia.” That means the minerals in your blood are diluted, or watered down. As a result, sodium levels in the
blood fall. Your body’s water levels rise and your cells swell. It can lead to serious (even life-threatening) problems. Endurance athletes, like marathon runners, are at risk for this condition. Certain health conditions can also play a role in how much water you need. Ask your doctor for guidance if you: Do you drink enough fluid that you rarely feel thirsty? Is your pee either clear or light yellow? If you can answer “yes” to both, you’re probably getting all the fluid you need. |
You should drink how many glasses of water each day
Related Posts
Copyright © 2024 paraquee Inc.
