Why drink water?
How often should I drink water?
Believe it or not, humans lose a pint or more of water every day simply by breathing! Humans normally lose about 10 cups of fluid a day in exhaled air, perspiration, and other bodily secretions. What is lost must be replaced to maintain a fluid balance. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to pour a glass of water. By the time you feel thirsty, you’ve probably already lost 2 or more cups of your total body water.How much water should I be drinking?
Are there special times when I should drink more water?
In addition to being in extremely hot weather, you should also drink more water when in colder climates or at higher altitudes. This is because you are laboring to breathe, and water is evaporating quicker from your lungs. To combat low humidity on airplanes, drink one 8-ounce serving of water for every hour you are in the air.There are other factors that affect how much water you need, so remember these tips:
- Drink extra water the day before you travel.
- When on a plane, low humidity means you should drink an extra 8-ounce glass of water for every hour in the air.
- Going to be outside in the summer heat? Drink an extra glass or two of water.
- Drink more water as it gets colder outside. Your body needs more energy and loses a lot of water through breathing when it’s cold.
- If you’re sick, avoid dehydration by drinking more water.
- Caffeine and alcohol dehydrate your body. Try to drink an extra 8-ounce serving of water for every caffeinated or alcoholic beverage you have.
- Nursing mothers need more water for breast milk.
- Smoking can also have a dehydrating effect. So if you smoke, be sure to drink more water.