How much do you know about hydration?

Should you drink at least eight glasses of water every day?

There's no evidence to back that up. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men get about 125 ounces of water daily and that women get 91 ounces, but that includes water from all foods and beverages.

How much of their water do people typically get from food?

The average person gets about 20% of their water for the day from food. An apple is 84% water. Bananas are 74% water. Broccoli is 91% water.

Can exercise in hot, humid conditions make you dehydrated?

It does not take long to get dehydrated — especially in hot, humid weather. So don't exercise hard, outdoors, when it is too hot and humid. You will need to take longer breaks, shorten the workout or intensity level, and dress appropriately.

While exercising, should most people break for water?

On average, you should take a rehydration break about every 20 minutes. Most people would stay adequately hydrated by drinking 5 to 10 ounces of fluid every 20 minutes. But your exact need depends on things like how hard you are working, whether you are indoors or outdoors, and your age, gender, and weight.

Which drink is the most dehydrating?

Alcoholic beverages have the most dehydrating effect. Coffee and other caffeinated drinks do make you urinate more, but overall, they are hydrating because of their water content. Juices, sodas, and other sweet drinks also are hydrating. Water is usually a better choice for hydration because it does not have extra calories.

How much water does the average adult lose every day naturally?

You lose about 10 or more cups of water every day just living: breathing, sweating, urinating, etc. Eating and drinking usually make up for it.

Does drinking water help you lose weight?

Water could help with weight loss. Studies show that by drinking water, people tended to eat and drink fewer calories, probably because the water filled them up. As a result, they lost weight.

Should you avoid drinks and snacks with sodium when you are trying to rehydrate?

Sodium is something your body needs when you are trying to rehydrate, either during or after exercise. That is why sports drinks are often rich in sodium — one of the electrolytes your body loses during exercise. Drinks and snacks with sodium also can trigger thirst and help you retain fluids. But too much salt can raise your blood pressure and worsen heart conditions in some people.

Can you drink too much water while exercising?

It is possible to drink too much water. Healthy kidneys in an adult can process anywhere from 20 to 1,000 milliliters of fluid per hour. It is not easy to overload them, but it can happen. Getting too much water, especially in a short time, is dangerous. Symptoms of too much water include weight gain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. Sudden cases of water intoxication can cause low blood sodium, which can result in headaches, confusion, seizures, and coma.

Which is an early warning sign of dehydration?

Thirst is one of the first warning signals that you may be getting dehydrated. But don't rely on thirst alone. Other early signs are fatigue, flushed skin, faster breathing and pulse rate, and having trouble exercising. Later signs include weakness, dizziness, and labored breathing.

If you think you are becoming dehydrated, you should move to a cool place and rehydrate. Drink fluids slowly — drinking too fast can stimulate urination, resulting in less hydration.

Source: www.webmd.com