Many of us don’t get enough water each day and are subtly dehydrated as a result. Water is vitally important to our health. It helps increase our metabolic rate and lose weight. It can also help us feel full before we eat a meal. Water also helps our heart, kidneys, brain, and other organs function well.
The common belief that we need to drink eight, 8-ounce glasses of water each day is actually now outdated. According to Lakes Regional Family Medicine physician Andrew Mueting, DO, newer guidelines say you should drink a half to one ounce of water for every pound you weigh. For example, a 200-pound person should get 100 to 200 ounces of water each day.
Mueting went on to say that water itself isn’t the only way to increase your water consumption. He said the foods you eat that contain a lot of water count as well, such as fruits and vegetables. Additionally, tea, coffee, and water count. He said the only thing that doesn’t count is alcoholic beverages.
There’s an easy way to know if you’re well hydrated or not. Mueting said just look at the color or your urine. If it’s clear to a light yellow, you’re likely well hydrated. If it gets darker in color, take steps to increase your water consumption.