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Hydration: Water and Health
Drinking enough water is essential to health. Not drinking enough can result in dehydration which can lead to poor health.We recommend that you drink a minimum of eight to 10 8-ounce glasses of water each day.
You must drink more water to balance that which you have lost and drink more if:
- You are exercising
- The weather is hot
- You are sweating a lot -- this includes "hot flashes" and night sweats
- You have a fever, diarrhea or are vomiting
Your urine should be a pale yellow color and not a concentrated dark yellow.
What encourages hydration and dehydration?
Hydration:
- Water
- Herbal teas
- Nonfat soymilk
- Diluted fruit juices
Dehydration:
- Alcohol
- Coffee and decaffeinated coffee
- Black tea and decaffeinated tea
- Chocolate
- High-sodium, or salt, foods
- Caffeinated sodas
How much is enough?
Recommendation:
Drink a minimum of eight to 10 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
Liquid measurements:
- 1 cup = 8 ounces
- 2 cups = 1 pint
- 4 cups = 1 quart
- 2 pints = 1 quart
- 4 quarts = 1 gallon
- 16 cups = 1 gallon
Equivalents of eight to 10 cups:
- 64 - 80 ounces
- 4 - 5 pints
- 2 - 2.5 quarts
- .5 - .75 gallon
More Information:
Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.
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