the truth behind hydration

By J. Michael Conkright, MD

With so many beverage choices to choose from today, it is hard to determine whether or not you are getting enough fluids to satisfy your body.  It is especially important to stay hydrated during the heat of the summer which we are experiencing in full force right now.  Not only that, but getting your daily allotment of fluids can help you feel and even look better.  Below are some truths behind the “rules” of hydration:

• You don’t really need eight glasses of water each day.  It is actually recommended that women have about 11 1/2 cups and men have 15 1/2 cups of fluid daily.  But, about 20% of this will come from the food you eat.
• Drinking coffee does NOT make you dehydrated.  So eight ounces of coffee is still eight ounces of fluid, and every ounce counts.
• Water alone is not a weight loss aid.  What it can do, however, is ensure you are not mistaking thirst for hunger.  Having a zero calorie beverage with your meal can help slow down your food intake.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.  It is very important to sip on fluids throughout the day so that you do not suffer from dehydration.
• You can drink too much water.  Our kidneys can process no more than 1 liter per hour, so do not drink too much at once.
• You don’t need a sports drink every time you exercise.  If you are working out intensely and sweating profusely, than a sports drink can come in handy.  Otherwise your body probably already has all the carbs and electrolytes it needs.
• Your body does NOT have to work harder to absorb cold water.  Therefore cold water is no better for you than warm water, but it does taste better so go ahead and add the ice.
• All plain bottle water is basically the same.  The only difference is the source from which it is taken.  Some water may come from natural springs, others are imported, etc.

-Stefanie-