HYDRATION

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

HYDRATION, HYDRATION, HYDRATION

We hear it over and over again to stay hydrated but yet so many of us still do not drink enough water.  Below you will find a formula to determine what your fluid needs are for your body weight but first take a look at what effects a lack of water can have on our bodies.

WATER LOSS %  / EFFECT

   .05%   Increased Strain on the Heart

1%   Reduced Aerobic Endurance

3%   Reduced Muscular Endurance

4%   Reduced Muscle Strength, Reduced Motor Skills, Heat Cramps

5%   Heat Exhaustion, Cramping, Fatigue, Reduced Mental Capacity

6%   Physical Exhaustion, Heatstroke, Coma

      10-20%   DEATH

Now if that’s not enough to get you to start to drink those 8 cups a day what about what it does to our skin.  Not being properly hydrated can lead to signs of EARLY AGING an INCREASE IN APPETITE and as mentioned above FATIGUE!  So the next time your TIRED, HUNGRY and obsessing over your new CROWS FEET reach for a nice cold GLASS OF GOOD OLD WATER!!!

Although there are many different formulas for calculating your daily fluid requirements, I’m going to list the most basic to keep it simple.  One VERY important factor to remember is that activities that require excessive energy or when in extreme heat conditions your fluid requirement will increase greatly.

0.5 Ounces x Body Weight in Pounds

= Daily Fluid Requirement in Ounces

Total Ounces ÷ 8 Ounces (1 Cup)

= Required Cups per Day

Example:  .5 x 140 = 70 ounces 70 oz divided by 8 oz (1 cup) = 8 3/4 cups of water per day