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HYDRATION IS IMPORTANT TO YOUR HEALTH
Water's Role in the Body
Water helps nearly every part of the human body function efficiently. Considering that our bodies are almost two-thirds water, it is important to understand water's role in healthy lifestyles. The following are just some of the things water does in the body:
- Brain is 75% water - Moderate dehydration can cause headaches and dizziness
- Water is required for breathing
- Regulates body temperature
- Carries nutrients and oxygen to all cells in the body
- Blood is 92% water
- Moistens oxygen for breathing
- Protects and cushions vital organs
- Helps to convert food into energy
- Helps body absorb nutrients
- Removes waste
- Bones are 22% water
- Muscles are 75% water
- Cushions joints
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Do You Need More?
Keep in mind that there are other factors that may require you to drink more water. Here's a look at a few:
Dry Air Up There:
To combat low humidity levels on airplanes, drink one 8-ounce serving of water for every hour in the air.
Winter Woes:
The colder it gets outside, the more energy your body requires to maintain a 98.6 degree temperature, AND the more water your body needs. So be sure to drink extra water in cold weather.
Flu Blues:
Maladies such as pneumonia and the flu can sometimes lead to dehydration, so be sure to drink more water when you are sick.
Beat the Heat:
If you plan to spend considerable time outside in warm weather, prepare by drinking one to two extra 8-ounce servings of water.
Moms Need More:
Due to high concentrations of water in breast milk, nursing mothers require three additional 8-ounce servings of water per day. Drink up, mom!
Pregnancy Increases Need:
You'll gain as much water weight as baby weight when you are pregnant. This is in the form of increased blood volume, amniotic fluid, and tissue fluids. Be sure to drink 8 to 12, 8-ounce servings a day.
Daily Water Requirements for Good Health and Hydration (based on 8 oz. servings):
| Weight |
Light Activity |
Moderate Activity |
Strenuous Activity |
| 115 |
9 glasses |
9.5 glasses |
10 glasses |
| 125 |
9 glasses |
10 glasses |
11 glasses |
| 150 |
9 glasses |
10 glasses |
11.5 glasses |
| 175 |
9.5 glasses |
10.5 glasses |
12.5 glasses |
| 200 |
9.5 glasses |
11 glasses |
13.5 glasses |
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