Water, Water Everywhere

The Institute of Medicine has stated that adult men require approximately 3 liters of fluid per day.  Adult women require approximately 2.2 liters of fluid per day.  Size and activity regulate fluid requirements as needs change on a daily basis.  The easiest way to regulate whether you are getting enough fluids per day is to look at your daily urine.  Typically, a light lemonade-like color means you are hydrated.  Urine the color of tea or apple juice means that you are dehydrated and should start drinking much more water.  Note:  vitamins and certain supplements can alter the color of daily urine and make it appear very yellow.  Older persons don't realize they are dehydrated because their sense of thirst decreases as old age sets in.  Pregnant women and persons on certain medications tend to be dehydrated and should pay careful attention to their daily fluid intake.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  I'll talk more about hydration over the next few blogs but for now, did you knkow that about 20% of your fluid intake in general (approx. 2.5 cups of fluid) comes from food.  Fruits and veggies are chock-full of fluid.  So, if water is boring, eat more juicy fruits!  Stay tuned for more on water, water everywhere!