Written by Alicia Cassels, MA, OneOp Military Caregiving Team Member
How Much Fluid Should We Drink Each Day?
Paying attention to hydration, especially in times of physical exertion and stress is important. So, exactly how much liquid should we consume each day? There is no one size fits all formula for everyone. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which defines Daily Fluid Intake as the amount of water consumed from foods, plain drinking water, and other beverages and advises that the specific amount of daily fluid intake required will vary based on individual age, sex, pregnancy and health status (2017).
A 2015 article points out that most healthy individuals successfully meet daily fluid intake requirements by responding to thirst cues in combination with the water content in the foods that they eat, cautioning that heat, physical activity, and medical condition may significantly impact fluid intake requirements,
“…Even a healthy person’s water needs will vary, especially if you’re losing water through sweat because you’re exercising, or because you’re outside on a hot day. If you’re wondering how much water should you drink on those occasions, speak with your doctor, but a general rule of thumb for healthy people is to drink two to three cups of water per hour, or more if you’re sweating heavily.”
It is important for individuals with specific medical needs or questions about fluid consumption to consult their health-care provider.
Paying attention to hydration is an easy way to care for your health.
Check out my Secrets of Self-Care Video Series to learn some of my tips!
Cited Research and Additional Sources:
- American Heart Association. (2014). Staying Hydrated-Staying Healthy. [Web Article]. Retrieved May 25, 2017, from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/PhysicalActivity/FitnessBasics/Staying-Hydrated—Staying-Healthy_UCM_441180_Article.jsp#.WShG32jys2w).
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The role of obesity in the relation between total water intake and urine osmolality in US adults, 2009–2012.
- Armstrong, l. E. et, al. (2012). The Journal of Nutrition. Mild Dehydration Affects Mood in Healthy Young Women. 382-388.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Get the Facts: Drinking Water and Intake. [Web Article]. Retrieved May 17, 2017, from https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/plain-water-the-healthier-choice.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Water & Nutrition. [Web Article]. Retrieved May 17, 2017, from https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/nutrition/index.html
- Ganio, M. S. et, al. (2011). British Journal of Nutrition. Mild Dehydration Impairs Cognitive Performance and Mood of Men. 106, 1535–1543.
- U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs National Caregiver Training Program Caregiver Workbook. Retrieved March 1, 2017, from http://docplayer.net/15786612-Module-1-caregiver-self-care.html
- U.S. Geological Survey. (2016). The Water in You. [Web Article]. Retrieved May 17, 2017 from (https://water.usgs.gov/edu/propertyyou.html).
This MFLN-Military Caregiving concentration blog post was published on September 8, 2017.