Staying hydrated isn’t only important for beating the summer heat. Drinking enough water is essential for your health year-round. Every part of your body needs water to function.
Hydration plays many roles such as:
• Regulating body temperature
• Lubricating joints to prevent pain and stiffness
• Supporting organ function, such as making it easier for the heart to pump blood
• Transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout the body
• Getting rid of waste in the body
American dietary guidelines recommend that men drink 125 ounces of water a day and that women drink 91 ounces of water a day.
You might have heard the advice to drink eight glasses of water per day, which is a good rule of thumb to follow to stay on track, but you might need to drink more than that if you’re exercising, living in a hot environment, sick or pregnant or breastfeeding.
Many Americans do not drink the recommended amount of water every day and therefore may experience dehydration, a condition that occurs when the body loses too much fluid.
Signs of mild dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, headaches, tiredness and darker urine.
If you struggle to drink enough water, try flavoring your water with fruit, bringing a water bottle with you when you leave home or using an app on your phone to keep track of your water intake.
Eating fruits and vegetables as well as drinking tea, milk or 100% fruit juice can help you to stay hydrated as well. Avoid drinking sugary drinks often because they can worsen dehydration and contribute to other health issues.
Natalie Peters is the community health educator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
