The cartoons will have us thinking when we’re thirsty, our tongues will be hanging out of our mouths and we’ll be panting like crazy. Well if we were stranded on a deserted island somewhere, maybe that would be the case. But since we are not, how do we know when we are getting enough water? One sure fire way is listening to your body. Your body will tell you and lead the way to the solution- water. If you’re thirsty, you’re probably already dehydrated. You may notice your skin, lips and mouth feel dry, you may experience headaches and you may also tell by the color of your urine. “If your urine is light yellow, you’re probably getting enough fluids. If it’s dark or smells strongly, you probably need more water,” according to Jessica Fishman Levinson, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., founder of nutrition counseling company Nutritioulicious.
Working Out
Be mindful that you need to replenish your liquids after a good workout. Remember, when you sweat, you’re losing water. Some people experience cramps or dizziness when they drink too much water during a workout. A safe amount to start with is half to one cup of water every 15 minutes of your workout depending on the level of intensity to determine what works for you. It’s different for everyone so be sure to let your body tell you what’s comfortable. Drinking 1-2 cups of water before you workout is also helpful to stay hydrated.
Yes, many people say you should drink one gallon of water a day, or that you should drink ½ your body weight in ounces of water. Some even say drink your entire body weight in ounces. That number may startle some and be too much of a requirement to meet. Just get into the habit of drinking water regularly and throughout the day. It is recommended to visit your healthcare provider to determine the exact amount of water you should drink on a daily basis because as you can see, the amount of hydration you need is based on your lifestyle and body composition.
