Understand the importance of proper hydration for overall health and discover ways to maintain optimal fluid balance in the body.
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Fluid Balance | Hydration Benefits | Water Intake Guidelines | Water Intake
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Jane Cox

Hydration FAQ


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Why is hydration important?

The body has sensitive mechanisms to maintain hydration status and to prompt drinking but young children and older or ill adults may need support to maintain adequate hydration. Fluid intake is important to maintain hydration when physically active and is advised before, during and after activity.

What happens if you don't keep hydrated?

If you don’t stay hydrated, your physical performance can suffer. This is particularly important during intense exercise or high heat. Dehydration can have a noticeable effect if you lose as little as 2% of your body’s water content. However, it isn’t uncommon for athletes to lose as much as 6–10% of their water weight via sweat ( 1, 2 ).

How much water do you need to stay hydrated?

However, different people need different amounts of water to stay hydrated. Most healthy people can stay well hydrated by drinking water and other fluids whenever they feel thirsty. For some people, fewer than 8 glasses may be enough. Other people may need more. While plain water is best for staying hydrated, other drinks and foods can help, too.

Is hydration a simple thing?

However, research shows that it’s not that simple. What is hydration? Hydration is the body’s ability to absorb water, the vital liquid it needs, and is based on how much is available to it. Every cell, tissue, and organ requires fluid to perform functions such as maintaining temperature, disposing of waste products and lubricating joints.

Hydration References

If you want to know more about Hydration, consider exploring links below:

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