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How to stay hydrated during meals or physical activities?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 36-year-old female. Could you provide insights into the recommended daily water intake for an individual of my age? Is there an optimal time for drinking water throughout the day? Are there guidelines on staying adequately hydrated during meals or physical activities? What are the early common signs of dehydration, and how can I ensure that I am staying sufficiently hydrated during the day? Are there alternatives to plain water that can contribute to overall hydration, such as herbal teas or infused water?

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. As an individual, the recommended daily water intake can vary based on factors such as age, gender, activity level, and climate. However, the Institute of Medicine recommends that women should aim to drink approximately 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of water per day, while men should aim for approximately 3.7 liters (125 ounces) of water per day.

The optimal time for drinking water throughout the day is to spread it out evenly over the day. It is best to drink water before, during, and after physical activities to prevent dehydration. Additionally, it is recommended to drink water with meals as it can help with digestion and prevent overeating.

To stay adequately hydrated during meals, it is best to drink water or other hydrating beverages before and after meals instead of during meals. This can help prevent overeating and promote better digestion. The early common signs of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to drink water immediately to prevent further dehydration. To ensure that you are staying sufficiently hydrated on a day-to-day basis, it is best to carry a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day and aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. You can also incorporate other hydrating beverages like herbal teas or infused water into your daily routine. Infused water is made by adding fruits, vegetables, or herbs to plain water for added flavor and nutrition. Some examples include lemon and ginger-infused water or cucumber and mint-infused water.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Regards

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At April 19, 2024
Reviewed AtApril 24, 2024

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