Water Facts
Health & Hydration
Water is an important part of your daily diet, and is essential to
good health.
What To Know About Water
Why Drink Water?
Water is the nutrient that your body needs the most:
- It makes up 55 to 75% of your body weight (that's about 10 to 12 gallons)
- It's critical in regulating your body's temperature and organ functions
- It moves nutrients through your the body
- Proper hydration can minimize chronic pains such as rheumatoid arthritis, lower back pain, migraines, and colitis
- Proper hydration can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure
- Water is naturally low in sodium, has no fat, cholesterol or caffeine
- It is absorded by the body better than many other beverages
You should drink more water:
- The day before you travel
- When you’re on a plane (8 oz. for every hour in the air)
- In summer-like weather
- When it’s extremely cold weather
- When you're sick
- For every caffeinated or alcoholic beverage you drink
- If you’re nursing, for breast milk production
- If you smoke
Dehydration
Dehydration can lead to extreme health problems, even death. Here are a few signs to watch out for:
- A headachy feeling
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- High body temperature
- Decreased strength, endurance and coordination
- Cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke
Tips for drinking more water:
- Add a slice of lemon or lime for flavor
- Drink chilled water
- Spread portions over the course of a day, rather than all at once
- Keep a water bottle on your kitchen counter
- Take a water break instead of a coffee break
- Drink at the same times each day