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Health & Fitness

We All Have Been Told To Drink More Water. How Much Water Should We Be Drinking?

 

 

Why is it so important to stay hydrated?

Your body depends on water for survival. Did you know that water makes up more than half of your body weight? Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to function correctly. For example, your body uses water to maintain its temperature, remove waste and lubricate joints. Water is essential for good health.  Don’t wait until you notice symptoms of dehydration to act. It can be hard to recognize when you’re dehydrated, especially as you age. Actively prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water.

How much water should I drink each day?

There are different recommendations for water intake each day. Most people have been told they should be drinking 6 to 8 8-ounce glasses of water each day, which is a reasonable goal. However, different people need different amounts of water to stay hydrated. Most healthy people can stay well hydrated by drinking water and other fluids whenever they feel thirsty. For some people, fewer than 8 glasses may be enough. Other people may need more than 8 glasses each day.  Some nutritionists now say we should be drinking half your body weight in ounces.  So, for a 180lb man, he should be drinking about 90 ounces of water per day. 

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Is there a minimum amount of water we should drink per day?

I suggest the following minimum and time to drink water-and I recommend adding lemon or lime slice if possible:

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               2 glasses of water after waking up

               1 glass of water before a meal

               1 glass of water before taking a bath

               1 glass of water before going to bed

Why do people need to urinate so much at night time?

Gravity holds water in the lower part of your body when you are upright (legs swell).  When you lie down and the lower part of your body seeks level with your kidneys, it is then that the kidneys remove the water because it is easier.

Water at bedtime will also help prevent muscle cramps.  Your leg muscles are seeking hydration when they cramp and wake you up with a Charlie Horse. 

So, I suggest following the minimum guidelines and also try to keep some water close by to sip during the day.  Till next time.

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