Summer Is Here! Drink Water.
How much water should you drink each day? The answer is 1-2 liters for the average adult. If you aren’t familiar with metric measurements, substitute quarts for liters and you’ll come close to the same amount.
The human body is well equipped to regulate its fluid balance. Many systems contribute to this balance. In healthy adults and children the urinary system does the majority of the work by preserving fluid or producing urine based on fluid intake.
The Mayo Clinic lists the following symptoms of mild dehydration:
- Dry, sticky mouth
- Sleepiness or tiredness — children are likely to be less active than usual
- Thirst
- Decreased urine output — no wet diapers for three hours for infants and eight hours or more without urination for older children and teens
- Few or no tears when crying
- Dry skin
- Headache
- Constipation
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
If you do become mildly dehydrated (which can happen easier now that summer is fully upon us) it is simple to remedy: Drink something. Water is the best option, but your body can use any liquid to re-establish fluid balance. What’s your favorite summertime drink?