Post by whisperingpass on Jun 19, 2005 19:29:37 GMT -6
DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH WATER INTAKE ??
Water balance
Simply put, water is the beverage of life. While you may survive for six weeks without food, you wont live longer than a week or so without water. Its the most abundant substance in the human body as well as the most common substance on earth. An average adult body is 55-75% water (about 10-12 gallons). Its found in every cell, tissue and organ and almost every life sustaining body process needs water to function.
In healthy people, water intake and water loss balance out. If you consume more than you need, your kidneys simply excrete the extra. To see if youre drinking enough fluid, check your urine. A small amount of dark-colored urine indicates that you arent getting enough fluid. Almost clear urine means youre drinking enough.
Drink before you get thirsty
When you dont consume enough fluids, your body may trigger a sensation of thirst. Although thirst signals the need for fluids, you actually need fluids long before you become thirsty. This is especially important for seniors, children, and for anyone during illness, hot weather or strenuous physical activity. Waiting until you feel thirsty to drink probably means that youre already deficient by two or more cups of body fluids.
How much is enough?
The average adult loses about 2 quarts (about 10 cups) of water daily through perspiration, urination, bowel movements and breathing. This water needs to be replaced because the body doesnt store an extra supply. How much water the body needs depends on the amount of calories used as well as body weight, level of physical activity, diet, exposure to dry air, pregnancy and illness.
To keep your body well hydrated, drink 8 to 12 cups of water throughout the day. Because milk, juice and other beverages are mostly water, they can count toward your daily water intake. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages are not the best sources of fluid since caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, causing the body to lose water through increased urination.
Water vs. Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are an excellent choice for people who are engaged in physical activity lasting over 90 minutes. These products contain sugars, sodium, potassium and other nutrients that are lost during strenuous physical activity. If you exercise less than 90 minutes, plain water is best to replenish body fluids.
Tips to increase your water intake:
Invest in a 32-ounce sports bottle. Fill it with ice water and keep it handy throughout the day. Drink two of these each day.
Water down your meals and snacks. Complement food with water, milk or juice. Occasionally start your meals with soup.
Refresh yourself at snack time with juice, milk or sparkling water.
Before, during and after any physical activity, drink water, especially in hot weather. Consume 4 to 8 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes while you exercise. Dont wait until you feel thirsty.
Add a lemon, lime or orange slice to jazz up your glass of water.
Water balance
Simply put, water is the beverage of life. While you may survive for six weeks without food, you wont live longer than a week or so without water. Its the most abundant substance in the human body as well as the most common substance on earth. An average adult body is 55-75% water (about 10-12 gallons). Its found in every cell, tissue and organ and almost every life sustaining body process needs water to function.
In healthy people, water intake and water loss balance out. If you consume more than you need, your kidneys simply excrete the extra. To see if youre drinking enough fluid, check your urine. A small amount of dark-colored urine indicates that you arent getting enough fluid. Almost clear urine means youre drinking enough.
Drink before you get thirsty
When you dont consume enough fluids, your body may trigger a sensation of thirst. Although thirst signals the need for fluids, you actually need fluids long before you become thirsty. This is especially important for seniors, children, and for anyone during illness, hot weather or strenuous physical activity. Waiting until you feel thirsty to drink probably means that youre already deficient by two or more cups of body fluids.
How much is enough?
The average adult loses about 2 quarts (about 10 cups) of water daily through perspiration, urination, bowel movements and breathing. This water needs to be replaced because the body doesnt store an extra supply. How much water the body needs depends on the amount of calories used as well as body weight, level of physical activity, diet, exposure to dry air, pregnancy and illness.
To keep your body well hydrated, drink 8 to 12 cups of water throughout the day. Because milk, juice and other beverages are mostly water, they can count toward your daily water intake. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages are not the best sources of fluid since caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, causing the body to lose water through increased urination.
Water vs. Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are an excellent choice for people who are engaged in physical activity lasting over 90 minutes. These products contain sugars, sodium, potassium and other nutrients that are lost during strenuous physical activity. If you exercise less than 90 minutes, plain water is best to replenish body fluids.
Tips to increase your water intake:
Invest in a 32-ounce sports bottle. Fill it with ice water and keep it handy throughout the day. Drink two of these each day.
Water down your meals and snacks. Complement food with water, milk or juice. Occasionally start your meals with soup.
Refresh yourself at snack time with juice, milk or sparkling water.
Before, during and after any physical activity, drink water, especially in hot weather. Consume 4 to 8 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes while you exercise. Dont wait until you feel thirsty.
Add a lemon, lime or orange slice to jazz up your glass of water.