Stay Hydrated! Four Facts You Didn’t Know About Water

Did you know that 60 percent of your total body weight is made up of water? Besides common favorites like coffee, tea, juices, and many more hopefully healthier options, there’s nothing better you can do than hydrate properly than drinking a healthy amount of water each and every day, no matter the season! Here are some facts you may not have known about water that are sure you get you motivated to stock up this summer.

As the temperature rises outside during the summer months, experts say that it is best to stay indoors to avoid harmful UVA/UVB rays. Staying outside for too long can also lead to fatigue and loss of consciousness in seniors. If you do need to be outside for more than an hour at a time, be sure to prep yourself and loved one with a water bottle even if you don’t plan on being active. When the body sweats to cool itself off, you naturally lose the water in your body needed to keep your body at a comfortable temperature. The more water you drink, the better it will make up for the lost H20.

Ever wonder why you feel the need to go to the bathroom after eating a few pieces of watermelon? Did you know that while 80 percent of the water you consume comes from the beverages you drink, the other 20 comes from food? Besides keeping up with your recommended intake of water each day, pay closer attention to the foods you are eating as well. This is a great way to regulate the proper amount of water you take in each day. Be sure to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables with high water content, like zucchini, watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, and peaches (yummy, right?), but don’t overdo it either!

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, water and other drinks should be between 50 and 72 degrees F for optimal hydration, which is perfect for hot days or anytime during the year. However, try not to overdo the temperature as ice-cold water, for example, can bring down your heart rate and slow down your metabolism as it takes more energy for your body to bring the water to a comfortable temperature as you consume it.

So how much should I be drinking?

As much as consuming certain foods, be sure to talk to your doctor and ask for his or her recommendation on the appropriate amount of water you should be drinking each day especially if you have chronic diseases or medical conditions that may require a bit more (or less!)

The official standard for adult and senior men is about 3 liters, while a little less 2.2 for women.

Are you a notorious water lover, or do you consider yourself a camel that can make it through most of the day without drinking more than a single cup? Be sure to read up on these and many other facts at the links below and get hydrated – you’ll be glad you did!