Hydration is imperative for regulating body temperature, supporting brain function, aiding digestion and keeping our joints lubricated.1 Many factors influence our need for water, including our health, our activity, and where we live. No single formula fits everyone.
You can estimate how much water to drink daily by understanding your body’s fluid needs. Over half of our body weight is water, that’s roughly 60%.2 It’s well known that eight glasses of water a day (64 ounces) is the minimum recommended intake, but everyone’s hydration needs vary. Your losses have to get replenished, especially when you sweat more, and exercising outdoors will require you to drink more water than recommended daily.
It is important to consider consuming electrolytes as well because they help balance your body’s water levels. Salt, calcium, and potassium are electrolytes vital to many body functions. Sports drinks, coconut water, fruits, and vegetables are all excellent options for replenishing electrolytes.
6 Tips for staying hydrated:
- Drink a glass of water with each meal.
- Drink room-temperature water instead of ice cold; it aids digestion.
- Drink a glass of water before a workout.
- Drink an 8-ounce glass of water upon waking up in the morning.
- Eat fruits and vegetables high in water, like cucumber, watermelon, spinach, and oranges.
- Fill up a large water bottle to begin your day and track how much you have consumed.
It is common for athletes to perspire up to six to ten percent of their body weight when working out.3 Athletes must stay hydrated to maintain strength, power, and endurance. When you are exercising, drink an extra glass or two of water.
The body depends on water for nearly every function. Your overall health will improve by hitting your daily hydration recommendations.
ACE Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Institute was founded on the principles of high ethical standards, integrity, honesty, and professionalism. When you step inside one of their eight convenient locations in the Washington Metro area, your goal becomes theirs: returning you to your normal lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible
1 https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/the-importance-of-hydration/
3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908954/
