Do you know why hydration is necessary? Hydration is important to:
- Regulate body temperature
- Keep joints lubricated
- Prevent infections
- Deliver nutrients to cells
- To keep organs functioning properly
- Improves your sleep quality, cognition, and mood
It means good hydration is important for overall good health.
We are uniquely designed to regulate our own body temperature, particularly in hot conditions, by losing more water in the form of perspiration. the more water we lose through sweat the more we need to replace, so those who live in hot climates or do sporting activities will need to drink more fluids than normal people.
Also, water levels change as we age, newborns have higher body fluid levels as compared to adults. Elderly people have lower fluid levels, but hydration is really important at all ages.
How to stay hydrated?
8-10 glasses of fluid per day is a simple and easy rule to remember. You can also use the body weight formula i.e. take one-third of your body’s weight and drink that number of ounces in fluids. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, aim to drink 50 ounces of water per day.
Here are some tips to stay hydrated:
TIPS TO STAY HYDRATE:
- Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning.
- Drink water before every meal.
- Add calorie-free flavoring. Try fruit or vegetable infusions in your water to make it more appealing.
- Check the color of urine if it is clear or light colored. Dark yellow urine may be a sign of dehydration.
- Carry a water bottle with you and refill it as you need during the day.
- Drink extra fluid during hot weather or when you are sick.
Avoid drinking water right before bed if you are struggling with nocturnal urination or heartburn.
Now tell me how many glasses of water you drink daily to keep yourself hydrated and healthy.
