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What are the Proper Ways to Hydrate?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Staying hydrated is important at all times. Adequate water intake is necessary for the proper function of cells and organs in the body. When you're exercising, sick, or in a very hot environment, it becomes even more important, as proper liquid intake can ward off dehydration. To guard your health, it is smart to learn good ways to hydrate your body.

When you are just taking care of typical activities and not engaging in extreme levels of physical activity, it is smart to drink eight full glasses of water during the course of the day. Each glass should include at least 8 ounces (226.8 grams) of water. Spreading your drinking out over the full day may be one of the best ways to hydrate, helping you to feel less thirsty. Also, if you drink all of your water at one point in the day, you may feel bloated instead of simply well hydrated.

Powder for a sports drink, which can be used to hydrate.
Powder for a sports drink, which can be used to hydrate.

There are many ways to hydrate your body. Although aiming for eight glasses of water per day is a good idea, that's not the only way you can get your liquids. Eating fruits, vegetables and soups is among the easiest ways to hydrate. Likewise, fruit juices can be included in your drink tally as well. However, many doctors warn against drinking too much juice, as the sugar is not good for the body in excessive amounts. You should still get the bulk of your liquids from water.

Sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes.
Sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes.

No matter how you choose to hydrate, it's smart to drink liquids before you become thirsty. Thirst can actually be the body's way of signaling you that you may be on the way to dehydration. Your urine color can help you to determine whether or not you're hydrating well enough. Generally, your urine should be very light or clear. However, if you're taking vitamins, your urine may be bright yellow or darker after you've taken them.

Most people need between six and eight glasses of water per day.
Most people need between six and eight glasses of water per day.

If you are exercising, it's smart to use more aggressive ways to hydrate. For example, drinking a couple of glasses of water about an hour before you begin to exercise can help you to stay well hydrated. It's also smart to drink a half a glass to a full glass of water about every 20 minutes during physical exercise. This is because your body loses quite a bit of water when you're physically active. For example, you can lose over a quart of water when you exercise for just 60 minutes.

Runners should drink large amounts of water or other beverage to avoid dehydration.
Runners should drink large amounts of water or other beverage to avoid dehydration.

The exact amount of water you lose from exercise depends on how intense your exercise program is. If you're going to exercise for more than one hour, it may help to consume a sports drink, as this will help to replace electrolytes and carbohydrates in your body. When you're finally finished exercising, you'll also do well to drink another glass of water or another sports drink about a half hour after your physical activity.

Frozen juice bars can help people stay hydrated if they are overcoming food poisoning.
Frozen juice bars can help people stay hydrated if they are overcoming food poisoning.

If you're sick and losing fluids through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea, you'll also want to find ways to hydrate your body and avoid dehydration. In such a case, it may be a good idea to sip room-temperature water slowly. Drinking too fast or consuming very cold water may only upset your stomach further; start with a very small amount and gradually increase your intake. There are also special electrolyte-replacement drinks and Popsicles that may be good to use if you've lost a lot of fluids while you've been ill.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

icecream17

BrickBack-I know that when you drink a lot of water, your skin also appears more supple.

It feels smoother and it actually makes you look younger. In addition, when you hydrate your body properly your metabolic rate will increase because your body becomes more efficient and will release waste appropriately.

I also heard that adding a little lemon to your water first thing in the morning will kick start your metabolism and cause you to burn more calories during the day.

If you don't like drinking regular water you can also drink carbonated flavored water. These drinks tend to taste a little like soda, but they will also hydrate your system as well.

BrickBack

Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily is a good way to keep you hydrated properly.

However, if you drink coffee or other caffeinated drinks you have to drink even more water because caffeine tends to dehydrate you.

Also, if you are physically active and engage in exercise you need to replenish the electrolytes lost and drink either more water or a sports drink like Gatorade.

Actually if you use a hydrate formula like Gatorade mid way through your workout you will actually be able to perform better because your muscles and body is hydrated.

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    • Powder for a sports drink, which can be used to hydrate.
      By: Serenethos
      Powder for a sports drink, which can be used to hydrate.
    • Sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes.
      By: travis manley
      Sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes.
    • Most people need between six and eight glasses of water per day.
      By: Gina Sanders
      Most people need between six and eight glasses of water per day.
    • Runners should drink large amounts of water or other beverage to avoid dehydration.
      By: Maridav
      Runners should drink large amounts of water or other beverage to avoid dehydration.
    • Frozen juice bars can help people stay hydrated if they are overcoming food poisoning.
      By: lecic
      Frozen juice bars can help people stay hydrated if they are overcoming food poisoning.
    • Staying hydrated becomes even more important when a person is sick.
      By: Mi.Ti.
      Staying hydrated becomes even more important when a person is sick.
    • It can be wise to drink a couple glasses of water an hour before one exercises.
      By: lithian
      It can be wise to drink a couple glasses of water an hour before one exercises.
    • It's smart to drink a half glass of water every 20 minutes while exercising.
      By: Dirima
      It's smart to drink a half glass of water every 20 minutes while exercising.
    • People who work out intensely need to replenish not only water, but also essential salts and electrolytes.
      By: geronimo
      People who work out intensely need to replenish not only water, but also essential salts and electrolytes.
    • Thirst is a sign that one may already be becoming dehydrated.
      By: korvin1979
      Thirst is a sign that one may already be becoming dehydrated.