HYDRATION & HEALTH
The right amount of water is essential for keeping your body functioning. On average, a person should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water throughout the day. Keep in mind that a variety of factors affect the amount of water you need.

As your body changes, there are other factors to consider when it comes to hydration. Learn what to keep in mind at different life stages.

 

 


Remember that nursing and expectant mothers are drinking for two. By conservative estimates, women at this stage need to drink six to eight 8-ounce servings daily. Keep in mind that weight, age and activity level can also affect hydration, so it can't hurt to overcompensate for you and your child.


With children, keep in mind a couple of extra guidelines. The best way to monitor babies is by checking their diapers. The more changing, the more water needed. Active children should drink an 8-ounce glass of water before playing. Also remember to give them another serving every 20-30 minutes during play, especially on hot days.



As a person's body ages, it retains less water, kidney functions may decrease, and thirst signals may dull. Seniors also usually take more prescription drugs that dehydrate their bodies. As a result, it is all the more essential that older people drink the amount of water appropriate to their weight and lifestyle, if not more.

There are other factors that affect how much water you need, so remember these tips:

  • Drink extra water the day before you travel.
  • When on a plane, low humidity means you should drink an extra 8-ounce glass of water for every hour in the air.
  • Going to be outside in the summer heat? Drink an extra glass or two of water.
  • Drink more water as it gets colder outside. Your body needs more energy and loses a lot of water through breathing when it's cold.
  • If you're sick, avoid dehydration by drinking more water.
  • Caffeine and alcohol dehydrate your body. Try to drink an extra 8-ounce serving of water for every caffeinated or alcoholic beverage you have.
  • Nursing mothers need more water for breast milk.
  • Smoking can also have a dehydrating effect. So if you smoke, be sure to drink more water.