The human body naturally loses water every day through breathing, sweating, and urination. To maintain proper bodily function, it’s necessary to replenish this water supply by consuming liquids or foods that contain water.
The United States National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggest that healthy adults residing in mild climates should aim to consume:
Men: Approximately 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids per day
Women: Approximately 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids per day
These recommendations take into account fluids from food, beverages, and water. However, it’s worth noting that the typical person obtains roughly 20% of their daily fluid intake from food, with the remaining 80% coming from beverages.
How To Keep Yourself Healthy And Hydrated?
Maintaining good health and hydration is essential, and there are various ways to achieve this. One of the most crucial steps is to consume an adequate amount of water each day. However, it’s not just limited to drinking water; the food we eat also plays a significant role in keeping us hydrated. Many juicy fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, spinach, and salad have a high water content and can help meet our fluid needs.
Apart from water, many beverages also contain water. For instance, milk contains around 87 percent water by volume, while juices are composed of 80-90 percent water, and herbal teas usually contain over 90 percent water. Even caffeinated drinks such as coffee or soda can contribute to our daily fluid intake if consumed in sufficient quantities. However, it’s essential to be cautious since regular sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks often contain high levels of added sugars, which provide more calories than most people require in their diet. Therefore, it’s crucial to be mindful of what we consume.