05/14/2024

Eight Ways to Stay Hydrated if You Hate Drinking Water

How much you need to drink every day depends on a variety of factors

For all the hype surrounding status water bottles—looking at you, Stanley and Owala—it turns out many of us aren’t drinking nearly enough H₂O. “It’s a struggle,” said Vanessa King, a registered dietitian nutritionist with Queen’s Health System in Oahu, Hawaii. "We see thousands of people a month, and drinking enough water comes up all the time."

Exactly how much you need to drink every day depends on a variety of factors, including your age, activity level, how much you sweat and your health status, as well as which medications you take (some can cause dehydration) and your location (hot places call for more water). One rule of thumb, King said, is to drink half your weight in water (in ounces) every day. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds, your target would be 70 ounces—or at least eight 8-ounce glasses—per day. To zero in on a more specific number, she advises talking to your doctor or a registered dietitian.

If you’re not getting enough water, you’ll be able to tell: Your mouth might get dry, King said, and your pee will become darker than normal. You might get a headache or feel dizzy. Plus, you’ll feel thirsty. People who are truly dehydrated—which is common among older adults—can experience altered mental status, hypotension, kidney failure and other complications that may require hospitalization. 

Please select this link to read the complete article from TIME.