Are you drinking enough water?
Getting enough water every day is important for your health. Along with the beverages you drink, you can also get fluids through the foods you eat, (for example, broth soups, and foods with high water content such as celery, tomatoes or melons).
Generally, water helps you:
- Regulate your body temperature
- Lubricate and cushion your joints
- Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues
There are different opinions on how much water you should drink every day. Health authorities commonly recommend eight, 8-ounce glasses, which amounts to two liters or half a gallon. This is called the “8×8 rule” and is easy to remember. Everyone is different, so this recommendation may vary.
Your body needs more water when you:
- Are in hot or humid climates
- Are more physically active
- Run a fever, have diarrhea or are vomiting
- Are pregnant or breast feeding
If you think you are not getting enough water, these tips may help:
- Carry a water bottle for easy access while at work or running errands.
- Choose water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. (Did you know substituting water for one 20-ounce sugar sweetened soda will save you about 240 calories?)
- Choose water when eating out. You will save money and can also reduce calories.
- Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water to improve the taste and help you drink more water than you usually do.