In a perfect world, we’d all remember to drink the right amount of water every single day. But let’s face it: Most people don’t include “drink water” on their to-do lists—it’s so tempting to load up on coffee during breakfast and a relaxing glass of Pinot during dinner.
However, when you fail to drink enough to replenish the fluids lost through urination, sweating, and even breathing, you begin to enter a state of dehydration. Being dehydrated doesn’t just make you feel thirsty—it can also have a major impact on how your entire body functions. Here’s what you should know.
How much water should you drink a day?
You’ve probably heard the rule of thumb that you should drink eight glasses of water a day, but it turns out that the amount of water each person should drink varies.
Children and older adults tend to need more water to stay hydrated, says Seth Smith, M.D., clinical associate professor in the University of Florida Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation. People who take certain medications, have a history of cardiovascular disease, or have recently had a viral illness need to drink more, too. If you’re in a hot, humid climate or you’re exercising (and sweating) you’re also more susceptible to dehydration.
A person who weighs about 150 pounds has about five liters of total body water, Dr. Smith says. It’s not unusual for a highly active person to lose up to two of those liters via sweat during a workout. To prevent dehydration, the fluids lost need to be replenished.
The best way to do this is to listen to your body, and drink water when you feel thirsty. You should also drink water before, during, and after any physical activity. In addition to getting enough water, maintaining a diet full of hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables is another way to replenish lost fluids.
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