Your body depends on water to survive. Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body needs water to work correctly. For example, your body uses water to maintain its temperature, to breathe, to remove waste, to lubricate joints, and to aid in metabolism. Hydration is important because the body is comprised mostly of water; approximately 60% to be more exact. This water helps transport nutrients to give you energy and keep you healthy. If you are not properly hydrated, your body cannot perform at its highest level. Without proper hydration, the body begins to shut down.
Now you may be asking, “Well how much water should I drink each day?”
Most people have been told for years that they should drink 6 to 8, eight-ounce glasses of water each day, which is a reasonable goal. However, different people need different amounts of water to stay hydrated. According to Nancy Clark’s Sports Nutrition Guidebook, you should drink enough water so that you urinate about every 3 to 4 hours, and your urine appears consistently colorless or light yellow. Dark yellow or amber-colored urine is a sign of dehydration.
Next Week…We’ll discuss in further detail the topics of Dehydration, including Tips on Staying Hydrated for the Summer and beyond. With the heatwave we have ALL been facing across the nation, you are definitely going to want to stay tuned for more!
Additional References:
familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/
Nancy Clark’s Sports Nutrition Guidebook, Fifth Edition
