It's important to replace those water losses to stay in good health. If it is a dark yellow or amber color, you may need to increase the amount you consume. If you are consuming enough, the urine color will be a pale yellow color. Color CheckĪ quick and easy way to check if you are getting enough water overall is to take a peek at the color of your urine. Taking that into account, women need about nine cups of fluid per day and men about 13 cups in order to help replenish the amount of water that is lost. You typically get about 20% of the water you need from the food you eat. These estimates, however, include fluids consumed from both foods and beverages, including water. The same is true for those with serious infections or diarrhea.Īdequate intake levels for water have been determined for generally, healthy people and are based on age and sex.įor women, the amount of total water is about 11.5 cups per day and for men about 15.5 cups. Individuals with certain health conditions, such as congestive heart failure or renal disease, also have different fluid needs. More water is needed by individuals during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Many factors impact how much water you need, including your age, sex, activity level, and overall health. In these events, a hydration schedule is usually followed, and beverages such as sports drinks may be recommended. Individuals participating in long stretches of physical activity, such as marathons, often need to replace both water and sodium losses. For example, confusion and seizures can occur. Symptoms of severe overhydration are often similar to dehydration and may also require medical attention. Although this is not as common, athletes and individuals with certain medical conditions may be at higher risk for overhydration. It is also possible to become overhydrated. Medical attention is often needed with severe dehydration, since it can lead to more serious problems such as confusion, kidney failure, heart problems and possibly death. These symptoms often go away once your body gets rehydrated. Mild dehydration may impact your mood, memory or how well you're able to process information. Dehydration can wreak havoc on your body, causing headaches, dizziness or digestion problems. If you lose more water than you take in, your body can become dehydrated. The Risks of Dehydration and Overhydration Plus, illnesses such as fever and diarrhea result in additional water loss. The same is true at higher altitudes and when you are out in extreme temperatures.
Very active individuals can lose more water through sweat, as the body tries to cool itself down.
You lose water throughout the day with normal body processes, such as making urine, having bowel movements and sweating. Staying well hydrated can help reduce your risk of developing kidney stones, urinary tract infections and constipation. It plays a role in keeping all of your body systems working well. But, do you really need to drink eight 8-ounce glasses, or 64 ounces, of water every day? Water is Essential to LifeĪbout 60% of your body is made of water. When it comes to how much water to drink daily, most people recite the 8 x 8 rule.
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