When you feel thirsty, your body is sending you a message: I’m dehydrated.
Aside from simply feeling thirsty, you know you’re dehydrated if you experience the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Not urinating every four hours
Most people have heard doctors and other medical professionals say that hydration is important. But why?
Staying hydrated supports your body and keeps you healthy by…
Maintaining Energy Levels
Being hydrated boosts your overall energy level. Your body is made of about 60 percent water, and its cells need fluids to function properly. If they don’t have the right balance of fluids and electrolytes, the cells will contract and make you feel tired.
Better Digestion
Water keeps your digestive system functioning efficiently. The body produces about seven quarts of digestive juices daily. Staying hydrated aids bowel function and helps your digestive system work better overall.
Reducing Risk of Dizziness
Feel lightheaded while outside in the heat or in the middle of a workout? It could be a sign of dehydration. Fluids boost blood volume in the body, keeping your blood pressure stable. When you’re dehydrated, your blood pressure can dive and cause lightheadedness.
Lowering Body Temperature
One of the most important functions that fluids support is sweating. Sweat pulls fluid from your body and out to the skin’s surface, where it evaporates, cooling the surrounding tissues and lowering the body’s temperature overall. Because sweating is fueled by fluids, excessive sweating can also reduce your hydration levels. This means that it’s especially important to hydrate during hot weather months. Being dehydrated can contribute to heat-related illnesses.
How Much Water Do You Need?
Each person’s daily fluid intake varies depending on their specific situation. Generally healthy people should drink at least eight cups of fluid per day. If you’re very active or in a hot climate, aim for 13 to 17 cups.
Keep in mind that if you’re taking certain medications or suffering from certain conditions, you might need to drink more or less on a daily basis. Drinking an adequate amount of fluids is important for everyone, but children, seniors and women are at higher risk of dehydration.
To find out how much water and other fluids you should drink per day, talk to your doctor.