How Much Water Should you be Drinking?

A registered dietitian goes over how much water you should be drinking and offers some other ways to help stay hydrated.

If you began dieting in the New Year, you should also make sure that you are drinking enough water.

It’s not only good for weight loss, it’s also vital to our overall health.

How much do you really need?
“Our needs for fluids and hydration are based on our gender, activity level, age, and the environment we live in,” explained Kristin K. Kirkpatrick, RD. Registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic.

Kirkpatrick said that signs of not drinking enough water include feeling dizzy, lightheaded or feeling tired.

You may also notice that you don’t urinate as much, your urine is dark, or you have a dry mouth. You might also experience sugar cravings, hunger pangs, or a dry throat.

She suggests always carrying a water container with you. This will remind you to stay hydrated.

You don’t have to just drink water. Other ways to get fluids include soup, herbal tea, decaffeinated or caffeine-free coffee, and foods that are high in water.

“Lettuces and spinach, as well as melons, are great examples of foods which help us to stay hydrated.” Kirkpatrick explained that it is not only about drinking water, but also about the foods we eat.

If you don’t like drinking plain water, you could always add fruit, vegetables or herbs.

Original Blog: https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2024/01/26/how-much-water-should-you-be-drinking/