Hydration: Water and Health

Drinking enough water is essential to health. Every system in the body requires water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to cells, aids in body temperature regulation and maintains blood volume.

Lack of water can lead to dehydration with resulting ill health. Signs of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, dark amber colored urine, fatigue, muscle weakness, headache or lightheadedness. The best treatment for dehydration is prevention by drinking plenty of liquids everyday. It is recommended to drink a minimum of 8-10 eight ounce glasses of water per day. Additional fluids may be needed during exercise, in hot weather, with sweating, fever, diarrhea or vomiting. Urine that is a pale yellow color is a sign of adequate hydration.

Hydrating fluids and foods include:
Water
Herbal Teas
Diluted fruit juices
Other non-caffeinated beverages
Fruits and vegetables
Soups

Dehydrating fluids and foods include:
Alcohol
Coffee
Caffeinated teas and soft drinks
High sodium foods (salty)

Recommendation:
Drink a minimum of 8-10 eight ounce glasses of water a day .

Equivalents of 8-10 cups:
64 - 80 ounces
4 - 5 pints
2 - 2.5 quarts
1/2 - 3/4 gallon