Why Hydration is Important

Doctors recommend drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day for optimum health. Humans lose a pint or more of water every day, just by breathing. To calculate your ideal water intake, divide your weight in half. This will give you the minimum number of ounces of water you should drink per day. For example, a person weighing 150 pounds should drink 75 ounces, or at least nine glasses per day.

People who do not drink enough water may suffer from exhaustion and lack of energy. They may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, or cramps. Inadequate hydration also contributes to many physical disorders. Some beverages such as soda, coffee, or alcohol actually end up dehydrating the body — so water is the best choice.