We all know that drinking water is important, but …

How much water should you be getting?

Although everyone is different (depending on your level of activity and how much you sweat) an easy rule of thumb to follow is eight 8 oz. servings of water each day. You can also measure this by how often you use the bathroom (which should be every two to three hours). An easy way to measure your hydration is to look at the color of your urine. The lighter the color, the more hydrated you are.

Hydration Sources

Hydrating does not strictly need to come from water. Many of the fruits and vegetables you are eating already eating contain water. Other beverages such as juice, milk and even coffee also provide a means for you to hydrate. Water, however, will prove to be the lowest calorie way for you to stay hydrated.

Consequences of Dehydration

Have you ever been outside on a hot day and started to feel sluggish, dizzy or have a headache. These are often noticeable signs of dehydration. Unfortunately, once you are seeing and feeling these symptoms, your body already is dehydrated. It is important to be hydrating yourself throughout the day whether you feel thirsty or not. By doing so, you can prevent dehydration.

What does water contribute to in the body?

Water is used in almost every single function of your body. From your blood balance to your cell functions and your energy, water is essential to your body being able to survive. In fact, more than half of your body is made up from water. With so many functions reliant on water, it only makes sense that the usefulness and need of staying hydrated is critical.