07/11/2024
Did You Know?
Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining overall health. Drinking enough water helps regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, and deliver nutrients to cells.
The recommended amount of water a person needs varies based on factors like age, size, activity level, and temperature. While the common advice is to drink eight glasses of water a day, some say this may be outdated and overly simplistic.
General guidelines:
• Men: The U.S. National Academies of Sciences recommends 15.5 cups of fluids per day.
• Women: The U.S. National Academies of Sciences recommends 11.5 cups of fluids per day.
• Pregnant women: 10 cups of water daily.
• Breastfeeding women: 12 cups of water daily.
Other factors to consider:
• Body weight: A general rule is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water.
• Exercise: The American College of Sports Medicine recommends adding 12 ounces of water for every 30 minutes of exercise.
• Climate: Hot temperatures and high altitudes can cause dehydration, so you may need to drink more water.
• Alcohol consumption: Alcohol is a diuretic, so you may need to drink more water to replace lost fluids.
