As the weather heats up this summer, you may be wondering which drink will keep you hydrated. Water keeps you hydrated and doesn’t contain unnecessary calories or additives. Our team of registered dietitians shares why water is your best choice year-round.
Why should I drink water?
Water is vital to our health. It plays a key role in many of our body’s functions, including bringing nutrients into cells, getting rid of waste, protecting joints and organs, and maintaining body temperature.
Water should almost always be your go-to beverage. Opt for sugary drinks like soda or juice, which can be high in simple sugars and calories.
How much water should I drink?
The amount of water you should drink varies depending on your activity level, health status, height and weight, gender, and other factors.
Men are recommended to drink 13 cups (about 3 liters) of water per day.
Women are recommended to drink 9 cups (just over 2 liters) of water per day. Pregnant women should drink 10 cups of water per day and breastfeeding women should drink 12 cups. Again, all this depends on activity level, age, weight, etc.
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables full of water helps along with this daily water intake.
Are a sports drink well for me while I’m exercising?
Sports drinks are advertised to enhance endurance and replace nutrients lost during intense exercise. But are they essential?
These drinks contain electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, as well as simple sugars (some may be sugar-free). However, these nutrients are typically lost in large quantities during high-intensity exercise lasting an hour or more. Sports drinks can be beneficial for people exercising intensely for long periods of time, especially if they sweat a lot. But to non-athletes, sports drinks are just another sugary beverage.
Most people should drink water during workouts, not sports drinks.
Do caffeine drinks provide hydration?
Caffeine is found in beverages like coffee, some teas, energy drinks, and sodas. Although you may urinate more after drinking caffeinated beverages, drinking these beverages doesn’t cause you to lose more fluid than you do.
It is caffeine-free, calorie-free, and readily available for most people.
Is it OK to keep water in the car?
Before reaching for a plastic water bottle that’s been sitting in a hot car, consider how long it’s been in the heat.
The chemical bonds of plastic water bottles break down when exposed to high temperatures. This can increase the chances of chemicals getting into the water. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these amounts of chemicals are too small to cause health problems, but they can add up.
Store bottled water at the same temperature as other grocery items. Avoid keeping plastic bottles in hot cars in the summer heat. Instead, keep a water bottle in your bag or by the door, so you can remember to take it when you go out.
Is it possible to drink too much water and overhydrate?
But is overhydration possible? Overhydrating occurs when someone drinks too much water, which can alter the body’s electrolyte levels such as chloride, sodium, and potassium. Not drinking enough fluids (dehydration) can cause symptoms such as thirst, flushing, tiredness, and rapid breathing. In contrast, drinking too much fluid (overhydration) can cause nausea, headache, cramps, weakness, and confusion.
For most people, dehydration is a big risk. But talk to your doctor if you’re concerned or concerned about symptoms of overhydration. Ask your healthcare team how much water you should be drinking each day.
Water Is Your Best Choice For Health
You have many drink choices out there. At the end of the day, water is the first drink of choice for optimal hydration. Drinking the right amount of water is important for your personal health and activity level.
