Is More Water Really Important?
by Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D.
Read Is More Water Really Important? by Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D. to learn more about Grove Smiles® Dentistry and our Dentistry office in Coconut Grove, FL.
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Most recently, our dental team has been asked many times about the importance of drinking water and how much should they aim to drink. We think this is great! So in our efforts to help you achieve better overall health and not just those fabulous healthy smiles, please read our small guideline of recommendations.
Rising Temperatures and the Importance of Water
As the temperatures rise so does, our bodies need to cool down. To do this, your body, an incredible machine, has a built-in cooling system which performs the function of perspiration. This fabulous machine is also responsible for self-sustaining by making its own repairs and with proper nerve flow regenerating new healthy cells which make up every organ, tissue fiber, and fluid in our body.
When we get down to it, our bodies contain more water than anything else – about 65-90 percent of our total body weight. This water helps regulate our bodies temperature, transports nutrients, and helps remove waste. Every day we lose water when we breathe, sweat, urinate and defecate. Therefore, every day we must replenish the water not only lost with normal daily activities but as an increased priority when the water is lost by exercise, exerting activities, summer temperatures and unfortunately some poor lifestyle choices including the consumption of too many caffeinated drinks and/or cigarettes.
So with water being the dominant factor in our bodies makeup, how important is keeping our bodies hydrated? Critical!
How Much Water Do I Need?
Statistically, the human body can survive three to five weeks without food, three to five days without water, and three to five minutes without oxygen.
Although water intake would be unique to the activities and lifestyles of the individual, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy continually reviews research evidence on adequate water intake, and their most recent suggestions for daily intake are as follows:
- Men: 13 cups (about 10.5 cups from beverages)
- Women: 9 cups (about 7 cups from beverages)
- Pregnant women: 10 cups (about 8 cups from beverages)
- Breastfeeding women: 13 cups (about 10.5 cups from beverages)
Am I Hydrated Enough?
Most people can gauge their water intake by simply looking at the color of their urine. When you are getting enough water, your urine should be a pale yellow, and you should urinate several times a day.
Unfortunately, urine color doesn’t work for everyone. For instance, when taking dietary supplements or certain medications, your urine can vary and even be a bright yellow.
The Equation of Hydration
“How much water do we need to drink every day?”
Although that is a simple question, it does not have an easy answer. It depends on some environmental and physical factors that can change every day. An additional factor into the equation is the amount and type of food that you eat. On average 20 percent of your water intake can come from the foods you eat with the remaining 80 percent coming from non-caffeinated beverages preferably water.
One of the simpler formulas that we have found works well is simply drinking fluids each day that equal half of your body weight, in ounces. For example, we advise that a 200 lb. Person to drink 100 ounces of water a day. With the intake of water being small and often rather than huge quantities all at once.
Not Just A Dentist!
Here at Grove Smiles Dentistry in Coconut Grove, FL we are proud to have served thousands of families over the last thirty years. Dr. Stephen Parr continues to look forward to helping you, and your families not only keep your healthy sparkling smiles for life but to help improve your health.
If you are looking to whiten, brighten, and keep your teeth healthy for life, call our fantastic team of dentists and hygienists today and let us help you create that confident smile you will love to continue to share.
For Your Health,
Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D.
