The Importance of Staying Hydrated

The Benefits of Water

You have probably heard that for optimal health, you should stay properly hydrated. Have you ever wondered what exactly that means, though, and why water is so important for your body? Staying hydrated, especially during the hot summer months, is necessary for many reasons. Your body uses water in all its cells, organs, and tissues to help regulate its temperature, water is used to help move oxygen throughout the body, and water is needed to maintain most bodily functions. Water also helps lubricate and cushion joints, protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues, and it also aids in digestion.

The Right Amount of Water

In addition to optimal health, drinking the right amount of water each day has additional benefits including more energy and better skin. However, many people are confused about how much water we should actually be drinking. Luckily, Mayo Clinic did some research and clarified just how much water we need for our bodies to stay healthy. On average, an adult male needs 13 cups of water a day and an adult female needs 9 cups.

Tips For Staying Hydrated

Listed below are tips for staying hydrated from the CDC, Harvard Health, and Mayo Clinic!

  • Always bring a reusable water bottle with you when you leave the house.
  • If you prefer cold water, try freezing some freezer safe water bottles and take one with you for ice-cold water, even at the end of the day!
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables to help you reach your water goal. Many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and spinach, are 90 percent or more water by weight.
  • Order a water with your meals instead of sugary drinks, soda or alcohol. This will not only leave you feeling more refreshed, but it will save you money, too.
  • When grocery shopping, avoid purchasing sugary drinks or sodas. If these items are not in the house, it will help you drink more water.
  • Add lemon, lime, cucumber, or fresh fruit to your water to enhance the flavor and help you drink more water.
  • Excising requires you to drink more water to compensate for fluid loss. Add an extra 1.5 to 2.5 cups of water for short workouts, and up to 12 cups for long, strenuous workouts. Sports drinks are also a good option to replace sodium lost in sweat.
  • Pregnant women should drink about 10 cups (2.3 liters) of fluids daily and women who breast-feed should consume about 13 cups (3.1 liters ) of fluids a day.

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