The Lowdown on Hydration

As we head into late summer and its high temperatures, staying hydrated becomes even more important. Not only is it an important component of good health, proper hydration helps combat heat-related illnesses.

You have probably heard that you should drink at least eight cups – or 64 fluid ounces – of liquids a day. However, every person’s hydration needs are unique and thirst is not always the best indicator of how much fluid your body needs. The color of your urine is a better gauge. Clear or light-colored urine means you are well hydrated while amber or a darker yellow color usually signals dehydration.

Here is a formula many experts use to determine how much fluid you should drink daily: take your body weight, divide it in half and drink that number in ounces. For example, if you weight 200 pounds, you should aim to get 100 ounces (or 12.5 cups) of water a day.

I know that it may sound like a lot, but keep in mind that all beverages (including coffee, soda, tea, juice and milk) and food contribute to hydration. That said, it is without a doubt better to drink water in order to meet your goal since it has zero calories, no caffeine and is free/inexpensive. In fact, a recent study by the University of California at Berkeley reminds us that despite being marketed as “healthy,” sports and energy drinks typically contain as much sugar or caffeine as regular sodas.

If you want to jazz up your water, try adding bubbles with a home carbonating system or adding fresh fruit and herbs, such as lemons, strawberries and mint. For more information and tips for keeping hydrated, contact Principal Medical Group.