The importance of drinking water

Summer is just around the corner, and we are starting to see how the temperature begins to rise; with the heat, there is more chance to get dehydrated, but how much water do I need to take a day?

There are different ways to calculate how much water you need to take daily; most of them include your body weight; a simple calculation is to take 0,5 to 1 ounce per pound. As an example, somebody who weighs 150 Lbs requires to take between 75 and 150 ounces of water a day.

Another way to calculate is to multiply your weight times 2/3, which means for a 170 Lbs person the average water intake per day is 114 ounces.

It is important to increase 20 ounces per every 30 minutes of exercise, especially if outdoors.

But, Why do we emphasize as physicians to drink more water and prevent dehydration?

60% of our body is water, and water intervenes in multiple chemical processes in the body, including how the sodium and potassium work, how to maintain good kidney health, the proper functioning of your muscles and joints, and it helps in the transportation of nutrients like in the blood and brain fluid. When somebody does not get enough water intake the risk of dehydration is higher.

How can I identify if I have dehydration?

• The first sign is to feel thirsty and have a dry mouth; then you might experience, Headaches, confusion, feeling tired, dizziness weak, or light-headedness.
• Other signs are a rapid heartbeat and low blood pressure, sugar craving might be another symptom of dehydration, constipation, and dark-colored urine.
• An easy way to tell if you have mild dehydration is when your urine turns darker, a light yellowish-tinted urine is a sign of good hydration.

Keep drinking water every day carrying a bottle next to you to help you create the habit of continuous hydration, ¡Water is life!

If you feel that the symptoms of dehydration continue, it may be a medical issue that should be addressed by a specialist. Contact us to make an inquiry