We all know that adults should drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water each day. But that 64-oz bottle of water may not always be enough to stay hydrated. It’s important to stay hydrated, especially in the heat of summer, but how do you know if the water you’re drinking is enough?
Benefits Of Staying Hydrated
There are many health benefits to drinking water. Drinking water helps keep your skin, nails, and hair both hydrated and happy. Water can also aid in proper digestion, improve your sleep, and keep you energized throughout the day.
Increasing your water intake will also keep your muscles and joints healthy by reducing inflammation and transporting essential nutrients to them. Most importantly, it boosts your metabolism and is responsible for your body’s ability to function. If your body becomes dehydrated, it can be extremely detrimental to your health.
Factors That Could Be Influencing Your Water Intake
There are many aspects of life that could influence your water intake, from your weight and exercise levels to the environment you live in. These variables determine how much water your body generally needs to stay hydrated.
Environment
Do you live on a tall, cold mountain, or in a dry desert? The environment you’re in can dramatically affect how much water you need to stay hydrated. If you plan to travel somewhere with a different climate than what you’re used to, there are a few factors to keep in mind when considering how much water to take with you:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Altitude
You should increase your water intake when working out in places that are hot, humid, or have higher altitudes to avoid dehydration.
Weight
The human body is made up of 60 percent water, but just how much water is 60 percent? Your sex, height, and weight will determine that for you. If you’re a male, you’ll generally need more water to stay hydrated than a female. If you’re taller and heavier, you’re also going to need more water than someone who is short and lean.
One way to calculate your ideal daily water intake is to drink the equivalent of half your body weight in water. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should be drinking at least 75 ounces of water each day.
Exercise
Before calculating your ideal water intake, consider how often you exercise. Individuals who work out often need to drink more water than those who don’t. If your muscles are feeling sore and stiff after a workout, try drinking a little more water to cool you off and re-hydrate your body. We recommend adding 12 ounces of water for every 30 minutes of exercise.
The extra water can help replenish the fluids that you lost during your workout.
Tips For Drinking More Water
If you’re struggling to drinking enough water, or you find the lack of flavor boring, try infusing your water with some fruit. Not only can these additions add some flavor, but they’re also a great source of vitamins and nutrients.
You also don’t need to drink your water ice-cold. If warm beverages are more your style, herbal teas and coffee will also help you reach your goals. Many teas are packed full of healthy vitamins and minerals, while coffee can give you an extra energy boost. Contrary to popular belief, coffee does contribute to your fluid intake. Its effects as a diuretic aren’t going to offset its hydrating benefits.
Stay Active And Pain Free With Airrosti
While water provides many benefits and could reduce workout-related soreness, it isn’t always enough to combat the aches and pains that come with a tough workout. If you’re struggling to keep the pain at bay, schedule an appointment with Airrosti. We can pinpoint the root cause of your pain and fix it fast, so you can get back to crushing your goals and doing the things you love most.
Read our Medical Disclaimer here.
