Water plays a critical role in our bodies. It is responsible for getting all the organs up and running and it also helps prevent many sicknesses and dehydration. When dehydrated, our bodies go through a difficult time allowing blood to flow to our organs, which is of course, very dangerous.
But how much water to we really need in a day? “Eight glasses of water a day” is all I heard growing up. I always questioned the eight glasses rule because I always thought to myself that there was no way a five foot girl like me would need just as much water as NBA superstar, Shaquille O’Neil. From the different sizes of our bodies, amounts of physical activity, climates we live in, it’s hard to believe that we both should stick to eight glasses.
Most experts recommend drinking 6-8 ounces of water or other fluids a day. Since they can’t conduct a study for each and every one of us to find out our personal water intake recommendation, it is your job to listen to your body.
Trust you thirst
It isn’t necessary to continuously sip on water all throughout the day, even when you’re not thirsty. Your thirst is there for a reason, trust it.
Urine test
A great way to test your hydration levels is to observe the color of your urine. When your urine is clear, this means you are hydrated. If your urine is yellow, this suggests that you need more water. The darker the color, the more dehydrated you are.
Know when you need to drink more
There are numerous reasons why you should increase your water intake such as increased physical activity, hot weather, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and catching the flu or a cold. When your body loses water excessively, it is recommended to replace these fluids.
Watch out for these signs of dehydration:
1) A dry or sticky mouth
2) Fatigue
3) Moodiness
4) Headaches
5) Dark urine
6) Lack of sweat
7) Dry skin
