The human body can lasts weeks without food, but only days without water. Why? More than half of our body weight is made up of water. Our bodies can’t store water, so we need fresh supplies every day to make up for losses from breathing, sweating and elimination. Lack of water can lead to dehydration and even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.
So how much water do you need? Recommendations vary, but the old rule of thumb is, “drink eight, 8 ounce glasses of water a day”. In addition, beverages such as milk and juice are composed mostly of water. Even alcoholic beverages and caffeinated beverages can contribute, but these should not be a major portion of your daily total fluid intake.
The body can get approximately 20 percent of its total water requirements from solid foods. For example, many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, tomatoes, oranges and melons are 85 percent or more water by weight.
Here are a few tips to help you stay hydrated. Start and end your day with a glass of water; drink water before, during and after working out; and drink water on a schedule if you have a hard time remembering to drink water. Carry a water bottle for easy access. Order water with your meal when you go out to eat; it has the added benefit of keeping the cost of going out to eat down. When you feel hungry, drink water first. It may satisfy your hunger. Remember, water is still your best bet because it is calorie-free, inexpensive and readily available.
In a recent survey by Ida Alive, over two thirds of the people in Ida County don’t drink the daily recommended amount of water. Ready to work on increasing your water consumption? Join Ida Alive in their “Drink Water Challenge”. It runs July 6 through August 3. The cost is free. To register your team of four to six people, visit the Ida Alive website at www.idaalive.org or call Public Health at 712.364.7311.
So how much water do you need? Recommendations vary, but the old rule of thumb is, “drink eight, 8 ounce glasses of water a day”. In addition, beverages such as milk and juice are composed mostly of water. Even alcoholic beverages and caffeinated beverages can contribute, but these should not be a major portion of your daily total fluid intake.
The body can get approximately 20 percent of its total water requirements from solid foods. For example, many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, tomatoes, oranges and melons are 85 percent or more water by weight.
Here are a few tips to help you stay hydrated. Start and end your day with a glass of water; drink water before, during and after working out; and drink water on a schedule if you have a hard time remembering to drink water. Carry a water bottle for easy access. Order water with your meal when you go out to eat; it has the added benefit of keeping the cost of going out to eat down. When you feel hungry, drink water first. It may satisfy your hunger. Remember, water is still your best bet because it is calorie-free, inexpensive and readily available.
In a recent survey by Ida Alive, over two thirds of the people in Ida County don’t drink the daily recommended amount of water. Ready to work on increasing your water consumption? Join Ida Alive in their “Drink Water Challenge”. It runs July 6 through August 3. The cost is free. To register your team of four to six people, visit the Ida Alive website at www.idaalive.org or call Public Health at 712.364.7311.
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