Water should always be your first choice when it comes to hydration. Your body is about 60% water, and your body loses water constantly throughout the day. Many people have been told they should drink 6 to 8, 8-ounce glasses of water each day. That’s a reasonable goal for most. However, different people need different amounts of water to stay well 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.
![\"\"](\"https://fromdoctortopatient.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/drinking-water-and-working-out-2.jpg\")
The human body’s basic need for water is often overlooked
Being well hydrated each day is crucial for many reasons:
- to regulate body temperature
- keep joints lubricated
- prevent infections
- deliver nutrients to cells
- and keep organs functioning properly
Overall, your body needs to be hydrated in order to function at its most optimal level. If there isn’t enough liquid in your body, essential functions, for example, circulation don’t go as smoothly as they should. Your organs won’t get the nutrients they need, and your body will visibly perform its job less efficiently.
Being well hydrated also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood. If you haven’t been drinking enough water, you can feel tired, cranky or irritable. You might even feel hunger, when what your body is actually craving is simply water.
How do I know I\’m drinking enough water?
Simply waiting for the sensation of thirst to sneak up on you before you reach for that water bottle is not enough– by the time we feel thirsty our body is already dehydrated! Equally, simply drinking to eliminate the feeling of thirst does not fully or properly hydrate the body.
The best indicator of good hydration is urine color, a pale yellow colored urine (https://www.healthline.com/health/hydration-chart) being a reliable indicator of good hydration. Darker colored urine is a sure sign that the body needs more fluid.
Make water part of your daily routine for good health. It’s important to remember that your body loses water all day, and you should replace water continuously throughout the day.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/body-water-percentage#body-water-charts
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-water-should-you-drink-per-day
https://www.hartmanndirect.co.uk/information-centre/why-water-is-important/