By Otto Rodriguez
Miami-Dade Health
You’ve probably heard a lot this recommendation: ”Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.” But in reality, that amount is not necessarily ideal for everyone.
The amount of water you should drink every day depends on several factors.
One of the most important is exercise. If you do any physical activity that makes you sweat, you need to drink extra water to replenish the fluid loss. It’s important to drink water before, during and after a workout.
Experts say that if exercise is intense and lasts more than an hour, a sports drink can replace the electrolytes lost through sweat.
The environment in which you live (hot or humid weather) can influence considerably in the amount of water you need. Dehydration also can occur at high altitudes.
Your body also loses fluids when you have a fever, vomiting or diarrhea. Drink more water or follow a doctor’s recommendation to drink oral rehydration solutions. Other conditions that might require increased fluid intake include bladder infections and urinary tract stones.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need additional fluids to stay hydrated. It’s recommended that pregnant women drink about three liters of fluids daily and women who breast-feed consume about 13 cups (3.5 liters) of fluids a day.
Doctors recommend to drink a glass of water or other calorie-free or low-calorie beverage with each meal and between each meal, drink fluids before, during and after any physical activity, and drink water if you’re feeling hungry. Thirst is often confused with hunger.
HealthyTips
For some people, fewer than eight glasses a day might be enough. But other people might need more.
