Watch for symptoms of dehydration, including dry mouth, fatigue, constipation, and decreased appetite. Your urine should be very pale or colorless and odorless (except for the first time urinating after waking up). Another way to know if you are drinking enough water is to pay attention to the color of your urine. Drink more if you are exercising or have special needs (as noted above). If you feel thirsty, then drink more water. How Do I Know If I'm Getting Enough Fluids?įollow your natural thirst and hunger mechanisms. Drink 1 to 3 more cups per hour as you increase the intensity and duration of your activity. Fluid needs also rise with increased physical activity. Extreme temperatures demand more fluids to keep the body temperature normal. Many are not as able to detect thirst well and therefore drink less.Īlso, people living in hotter or colder climates may need more fluids. Seniors need more water because aging bodies do not concentrate urine as well. Certain medications, high fiber intake, and age can further boost your need for water. Most people need 8 to 12 cups of water daily. But for most people, the greater concern is not getting enough fluids. Yes, it is possible to drink too much water. Tip: Drink water before and after exercise to avoid dehydration. The other 20 percent comes from water contained in food. About 80 percent of people's daily water intake comes from drinking water and other beverages-including drinks with caffeine. They get fluid (water) from both beverages and food, not just plain water.Īll fluids like juice, tea, soup, and even coffee and alcoholic beverages count.

The report showed that most healthy adults take in enough fluids and are adequately hydrated. Recommendations for how much fluid we need each day changed in 2004 upon publication of a report by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies of Science. To maintain your body's fluid balance, you need to replace it each day. The average adult loses about 2½ quarts, or 10 cups, of water daily. Flushes out the toxins (poisons) made from many reactions in our body.Hydrates (fills with water) our cells and prevents dehydration.Water is needed in almost every bodily function and by all organs.Here are some things water does: Replenishing your body's water supply is crucial for survival and well-being.

The human body is made up of 50 to 75 percent water, or about 10 to 12 gallons.

Don't like to drink water? Good news! There are lots of ways to meet your fluid needs besides just water.

Water water everywhere