Why Is Keeping Hydrated So Important?

Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly. For example, water:

• Gets rid of wastes through urination, perspiration and bowel movements
• Keeps your temperature normal
• Lubricates and cushions joints
• Protects sensitive tissues

Lack of water can lead to dehydration

A condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.

Guidelines For Hydration

• Water is lost through breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For the body to function properly, fluids must be replenished by consuming beverages and foods that contain water.
• The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is:
  • About 15.5 cups ( 3.7 liters, 3,700 mL) of fluids for men
  • About 11.5 cups ( 2.7 liters, 2700 mL) of fluids a day for women
• These recommendations cover fluids from water, other beverages and food. About 20 percent of daily fluid intake usually comes from food and the rest from drinks.

Factors That Influence Water Needs

• Exercise: If you do any activity that makes you sweat, you need to drink extra water to cover the fluid loss. It’s important to drink water before, during and after a workout. If exercise is intense and lasts more than an hour, a sports drink can replace minerals in your blood (electrolytes) lost through sweat.
• Environment: Hot or humid weather can make you sweat and requires additional fluid intake. Dehydration also can occur at high altitudes.
• Overall Health: Your body loses fluids when you have a fever, vomiting or diarrhea. Drink more water or follow a doctor’s recommendation to drink oral rehydration solutions. Other conditions that might require increased fluid intake include bladder infections and urinary tract stones.

Water Content Of Foods

References & Resources

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/dehydration/symptoms causes/syc 20354086
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy lifestyle/nutrition andhealthy eating/in depth/water/art 20044256
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC 2908954