We have all heard that you should drink 8 glasses of water a
day for good health. But is this
true? What if you drink coffee, tea and
only 4 glasses of water a day? Are you
unhealthy? Now that it is summer, paying
attention to fluid intake is a good idea.
How do you know if you are becoming dehydrated? Thirst is the first sign of dehydration. So if you are thirsty, get something to drink
to replenish your body fluids.
Does coffee, tea count as fluid? Yes.
Both are fluids that can help you stay hydrated. Popular belief says these drinks contain
caffeine so they don’t count as “fluids” or part of the 8 glasses a day. But that isn’t true. Researchers have found that the caffeine in
these beverages doesn’t cancel out their hydration effects.
Does milk, juice or even foods like watermelon – other foods
count towards our “water” intake?
Yes. All liquids count towards
your fluid intake. Many foods have a
high water content such as watermelon. In
fact, foods constitute about 22% of our water intake.
Is eight glasses of water a day a myth? Yes, not a harmful myth but a myth
nonetheless. Way back in 1945 a study
indicated we need 64 ounces of fluid a day, which is 8 glasses. But this study also included all fluids such
as coffee and tea and not just water. If
you want to drink 8 glasses of “water” a day, go ahead. But if you want to drink 8 glasses of fluid a
day, including your coffee, tea, milk, that is fine too. Mostly, if you are thirsty, get something to
drink to rehydrate yourself.
What are good “fluids” to drink to stay hydrated?
- Water
- Coffee or tea – unsweetened
- Non-fat milk or low fat milk
- 100% juice – up to 8 ounces a day
- Sports drinks – for endurance athletes
Keeping hydrated is important but it doesn’t have to be drinking
just water. Enjoy that unsweetened ice
tea, the Crystal Light Lemonade, and your ice cold water this summer.
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