Hydration Levels: Are You Drinking Enough?

Water is essential for life. Over half the human body consists of it and it is a part of every body cell, tissue, organ and body process. Finding the right balance of water intake will ensure that your body functions efficiently, helping you to stay healthy.

You continually lose water during the day through sweat, urine and breathing so it is important you replace these lost fluids, keeping your body properly hydrated.

Knowing your total body water percentage will help you remain within the healthy total body water levels. Selected models in Tanita's range of Body Fat Monitors now include a Total Body Water Percentage feature. Understanding the changes in your total body water level, will also help you to understand the changes in your body fat readings if you measure at different times during the day. This is because the BIA technology used in the Body Fat Monitors is dependent on the level and distribution of water in the body.

Tips to Ensure You Are Drinking Enough

• Try to drink at least 6-8 cups or glasses of fluid every day. Drink a variety of fluids, which could include water, tea, coffee, fruit juices, etc. But watch out for extra calories through added sugar.
• Don't wait until you feel thirsty before drinking, as you will already be mildly dehydrated.
• Try to carry a bottle of water or some other low-calorie drink around with you, or keep a bottle in the car, on your desk at work, etc.
• Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after physical activity.
• Increase your fluid intake in hot weather or at higher altitudes.
• Another good way to monitor hydration levels is to check your urine. It should be clear to pale yellow in colour. You should be urinating every 2 to 3 hours during the day.
• Drink alcohol in moderation. Not only is it dehydrating, it is also high in calories.

(Source: Tea Drinking and Fluid Balance: A Review. Maughan and Griffin, 2001)