July 8, 2022
Water is life. Are you drinking enough to stay healthy and happy? Your body is 45%-75% water.1 From your brain and all your cells to every system and organ, every part of you needs water to function properly.
When you consume enough water each day, your body pays you back by:
Preventing infections
Lubricating your joints
Delivering oxygen and nutrients to your cells
Helping your skin stay youthful-looking
Helping you lose weight
Increasing energy and brain function
Staying hydrated can improve the quality of your sleep. If you’re hydrated but still not sleeping well, here are four ways to master your sleep.
Most experts agree that starting your day with a tall glass of water has many health benefits.2
And here are even more reasons water should be your go-to drink.
Below are recommendations for daily water intake to keep your body healthy and happy (and these numbers go up if you’re in a hot climate or exercising):
Children: 1-6
Children: 7-18
Adults:
Men
Women
Pregnant women
Breastfeeding women
Approximate recommended daily intake (from all liquids) 3
Encourage water consumption; limit juice to one glass per day
6-8 Cups* (More when exercising)
13 Cups
9 Cups
10 Cups
12 Cups
Symptoms of dehydration (beyond dry mouth and excessive thirst)
Irritability, lethargy, sunken eyes, fewer tears when crying, minimal urination 4
Headache, dizziness, cramps, extreme fatigue 5
Less frequent urination, dark/odorous urine, headache, dizziness, cramps, excessive fatigue, confusion 6
*1 cup = 8 oz.
You can usually resolve mild dehydration by drinking more water, but if you’re getting enough hydration and still feeling unwell, talk to an MDLIVE board-certified doctor in minutes.
No. You can also drink other beverages that are mostly water. Just try to avoid drinks that contain a lot of added sugar and empty calories.
While coffee and tea count toward your water intake, too much caffeine can cause insomnia, nervousness, and headaches. Everyone varies in their ability to tolerate caffeine and how fast they metabolize it. The Mayo Clinic recommends no more than 400 mg of caffeine daily, which is equal to about four or five cups of coffee. (1 cup = 8 oz.)
Alcohol removes water and essential nutrients from your body. Drinking extra water before and after an alcoholic drink can help prevent dehydration.7
DRINK UP!
Water
Milk
Coffee
Herbal tea
NOT SO MUCH!
Regular soda
Energy drinks
Sweetened juices and fruit drinks
Alcohol
Many fruits and vegetables are almost 100% water and have the added benefit of providing your body with vitamins and minerals, like calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin K.8 Eat more of these foods to stay hydrated:
Cucumbers
Celery
Iceberg lettuce
Zucchini
Watermelon
Strawberries
Cauliflower
Peaches
You may be chronically dehydrated if you suffer from headaches, constipation, dizziness, or fatigue. Talk to an MDLIVE board-certified doctor 24/7 for dehydration and more than 80 common medical conditions, including:
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