Hydration Equation

The topic of hydration came up during the Principles of Nutrition section of our seminar at the COOPER INSTITUTE. The main questions were: Why is water so important anyway? How much water do I need to drink on a daily basis? When do I need to drink it? How do I know if I am properly hydrated? I will try and answer some of those questions based on the information I received.

Water is the most important and the most consumed nutrient that a person needs whether you are an athlete or not. You can live without food for quite a while. No water and you are doomed. Our body weight is made up of about 60% water. It helps carry other nutrients through the body. It carries waste out of the body. It also assists with the formation of many molecules in the body. It also lubricates and cushions our joints, helps regulate our body temperature and maintains blood volume.


The adequate daily intake for water will vary from 64 ounces a day to 2.7 liters to 3.7 liters based on whatever website or book you read. I would say a minimum to aim for is at least 64 ounces a day. Athletes or people who lose water through sweating should increase their intake of water. Guidelines state to drink about 2 - 1/2 cups for every pound lost through physical activity. This should be consumed throughout the day. There are many water sources in the diet such as tea, coffee, juice, and food. Although tea and coffee contain caffeine the hydration you receive from the water they contain is larger than the diuretic effect of the caffeine.

A great indicator of adequate hydration is the color of your urine should be almost clear. You will feel more energized as well.

So with that...have a drink on me! Water of course!

Show up and make it count!