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Water is one of the most important substances in existence. It covers 2/3 of our planet, contributes to our ability to grow food and even creates electricity. The fitness world is not exempt from water being so important. In fact 60% of our bodies are made up of water as well as a staggering 75% of our muscles. So the question is, how much water should one drink during the day? According to the Mayo Clinic there is no set number and no set formula that encompasses everyone. However, they do go on to say that one should use the replacement approach.
Through sweating, breathing and other daily evacuations an average, inactive person loses about 10.3 cups a day. The goal for this approach is to “replace” all the water lost throughout the day. Now, to combat this it seems that a person just needs to drink 10.3 cups of water and they will be fine, right? The answer is, not entirely. This 10.3 cups is for an average person who does not workout, lives in a temperate climate and is healthy. For everyone else, here are some reasons 10.3 cups aren’t enough.
- If you exercise you will need more water (about 1.5-2.5 cups more).
- Living in a humid or warmer climate (aka Florida) or higher altitudes above 8,200 feet (aka not Florida), means your body will need extra water.
- Illnesses and many health conditions require more fluids.
- Pregnancy and breast feeding each require extra water.
While a lot of people think they can only get hydrated from water there are other ways also. Milk, Gatorade, juice, and even wine, beer and coffee are mostly water. That being said, these other choices have negatives that go along with them and should be used in moderation for hydration purposes. Also, about 20% of our daily water intake comes from food, especially foods like tomatoes and watermelon that are about 90% water. In general, the Mayo Clinic says to never feel thirsty and maintain clear to slightly yellow urine ; do this and your water intake should be perfect.
Some information provided by:
The Mayo Clinic
Easy Body Tips
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