Smoothy Slim
Photo by Andre Furtado Pexels Logo Photo: Andre Furtado

What counts as water intake for the day?

Bottom line. To meet your fluid needs throughout the day, choose water most often. Remember that other fluids like milk, coffee, tea and juice also count towards your daily fluid intake. Try to avoid soft drinks and limit drinks with caffeine to 3 cups per day.

unlockfood.ca - Facts on Fluids - How to Stay Hydrated - Unlock Food
What can I drink for energy?
What can I drink for energy?

Healthy Energy Drinks: Delicious and Nutritious Yerba Mate. Yerba mate is a drink that is fast gaining popularity around the world. ... Green Tea....

Read More »
Last updated Feb 15, 2022
Why is the T flip-flop called so?
Why is the T flip-flop called so?

In the T flip – flop, a pulse train of narrow triggers are provided as input (T) which will cause the change in output state of flip – flop. So,...

Read More »
Last updated Oct 1, 2022
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
Promotion

Article

Nothing satisfies thirst better than a tall glass of cold water. During the summer you may be more aware of drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration. Staying well hydrated when it's hot is definitely a must; however, hydration is important to your health year round. Read on to learn about how much fluid you need to stay healthy and which fluids you should choose most often.

Why fluids matter

Fluid is essential! It has many important roles. Fluids help to:

move nutrients and waste through your body

keep your blood pressure normal

protect and cushion your joints and organs

control your body temperature and

lower your risk of dehydration and heat stroke

What is dehydration?

Dehydration is when you lose more fluid than you take in. Below are some of the signs of dehydration:

Thirst

Dry lips and dry mouth

Flushed skin

Headache

Dizziness and fainting

Dark yellow, strong smelling urine

Low blood pressure and increased heart rate

You may be dehydrated even if you don’t have any of the signs so it is important to drink fluids often even before you feel thirsty.

Getting enough fluid

The amount of fluids you need depends on your age, gender and level of physical activity. Remember that you will need even more fluids to stay hydrated in hot weather and when you are physically active. Use the chart below as a guide to how much fluid you should aim to have each day. Keep in mind that your total fluid intake can include water as well as milk, coffee, tea and juice. Coffee and tea are not dehydrating. Life stage Aim for (cups)* Infants 0-6 months 3 (from breastmilk or formula) 7-12 months 2.5 (from breastmilk, formula, water or fluid milk) Young Children 1-3 years old 3.5 4-8 years old 5 Older children 9-13 year old girls 6.5 9-13 year old boys 7 Women 14-18 year old 7 19 years and older 9 Pregnant 9 Breastfeeding 12.5 Men 14-18 years old 10.5 19 years and older 12

*1 cup = 250 mL

Do I need to drink eight glasses of water every day to stay healthy?

No. Research shows that drinking less than eight glasses of water per day does not lead to negative health effects. The amount of water that a person needs to drink every day is different for everyone. What is most important is that you drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration. Your fluid intake can include water as well as a variety of other fluids.

How to know if you are drinking enough

What is a healthy waist size for a woman?
What is a healthy waist size for a woman?

What should your waist measurement be? For men, a waist circumference below 94cm (37in) is 'low risk', 94–102cm (37-40in) is 'high risk' and more...

Read More »
Last updated Mar 31, 2019
What is the best skin tightening facial?
What is the best skin tightening facial?

Good, Better, and Best Face Tightening Options GOOD Face Tightening Options BETTER Face Tightening Options BEST Face Tightening Options Dermal...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 27, 2018
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
Promotion

Check your thirst - If you are thirsty or have a dry mouth, it is likely that you are not drinking enough. Aim to drink fluids often throughout the day. Remember that once you are thirsty, you are already somewhat dehydrated. Check your urine - If your urine is a dark yellow colour and has a strong smell, you may not be getting enough fluids. Urine that is light yellow or clear in colour usually means that you are drinking enough fluids. The amount of urine you make can also be a sign of your hydration status. If you do not make much urine throughout the day and it is dark in colour, you likely need more fluids. Check your mood – If you feel light headed and tired, are not able to focus or have many headaches, these could be signs that you are dehydrated.

Tips to meet your fluid needs

Be aware of your thirst and drink fluids often throughout the day.

Choose water to drink when you are thirsty. Avoid soft drinks.

Keep water nearby when you are at work, at school, at play or out and about. Enjoy other fluids such as skim, 1% and 2% milk, fortified soy beverages, 100% vegetable or fruit juices and soups to help you meet your fluid needs. Choose decaffeinated drinks more often to keep you well hydrated. Drinks with caffeine should be limited to 3 cups per day.

Take sips of water while eating meals and snacks.

Keep a jug full of ice water, with lemon, lime, orange or cucumber slices in your fridge at home or at work. Remember to drink more in hot weather and when you are very active.

Hydration as you get older

Drinking liquids throughout the day is especially important for older adults. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, fainting and low blood pressure which may put older adults at risk for falls. Dehydration may also make constipation worse.

Bottom line

To meet your fluid needs throughout the day, choose water most often. Remember that other fluids like milk, coffee, tea and juice also count towards your daily fluid intake. Try to avoid soft drinks and limit drinks with caffeine to 3 cups per day. Remember to drink even more fluids when you are active and during hot weather.

You may also be interested in:

Video: Healthy beverages – Choose water

Sports nutrition: Facts on hydration

unlockfood.ca - Facts on Fluids - How to Stay Hydrated - Unlock Food
What should I drink to melt belly fat in morning?
What should I drink to melt belly fat in morning?

Here are 7 morning beverages that will help you lose belly fat. Belly fat is like an uninvited visitor that arrives unannounced and refuses to go....

Read More »
Last updated Oct 22, 2018
What fruit can burn off fat quickly?
What fruit can burn off fat quickly?

Here are some fruits that are known to cut belly fat: Apple. Fresh and crunchy apples are packed with healthy flavonoids and fibres that may help...

Read More »
Last updated May 2, 2021
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
Promotion
How do you clean arteries in your brain?
How do you clean arteries in your brain?

The main options for treating narrowing of the arteries in the brain are: Angioplasty to reopen the artery with possible stenting. Cerebral artery...

Read More »
Last updated May 4, 2021
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
Promotion
Can you drink alcohol and burn fat?
Can you drink alcohol and burn fat?

If you're curious, “How long does alcohol stop fat burning?” A person's body treats alcohol like a prison. It can shut down all of the other...

Read More »
Last updated Jul 14, 2019