The amount of water needed for proper hydration varies from person to person, but Ready.gov recommends about three quarters of a gallon of fluid daily for normally active people. Use that as a baseline and adjust depending on age, health, climate, and physical condition and activity.
Sometimes you may need to be more conscientious about your water intake. Here are some tips:
- Don’t wait until you’re thirst – drink water constantly!
- Avoid alcohol or sugary liquids
- Keep a bottle of water with you throughout the day
- Add a slice of lemon to your water – this improves the flavor and can help you drink more
- Drink water when you’re hungry. Thirst can be confused with hunger, so try water first
It’s more obvious that you need to be more careful about staying hydrated during the hot summer months, but you can still become dehydrated during the colder times. No matter what time of year it is, pay attention to what your body is telling you and take the necessary steps to always remain hydrated.
