Hydrate How Much?

It's summertime in the Deep South, when the temperatures get hotter and proper hydration is essential. Every cell, tissue, muscle and organ depends on water to function properly. Water regulates body temperature, flushes waste from your body, supports a healthy immune system, promotes healthy digestion, enhances sleep quality, and it also benefits cognitive function by way of improved memory recall, alertness and mood. 

To find out how much water you need, here are a few things to consider: 

• What is your activity level? The general rule is to replace the amount of fluid lost when you sweat by drinking water before, during and after your workout.  
• Where are you? If it’s hot and humid, you’re likely to sweat more, which causes dehydration faster than in a cooler climate.
• How is your health? Hydration is critical when you are sick. Fevers, vomiting and diarrhea can cause severe dehydration. Increasing your fluid intake is an important part of a successful recovery. 
• Keep in mind the average adult is recommended to drink about 64 ounces of water a day – that's eight 8 ounce glasses. 

Watch the video below for some additional tips on how to stay hydrated: