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Drink plenty of water

By Angie Monk, Wood County Extension Agent
Posted 6/24/20

Hydration is important for all ages. Did you know that the human body is made up of 60% water? Water is responsible for many vital functions in the body.

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Drink plenty of water

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Hydration is important for all ages. Did you know that the human body is made up of 60% water? Water is responsible for many vital functions in the body. Some examples are:

  • regulates your body temperature
  • helps your body digest food and absorb nutrients
  • lubricates your joints
  • water makes up 75% of your brain, 75% of your muscles, 22% of your bones, and 83% of your blood

To prevent dehydration, drink an adequate amount of water each day. The recommended amount of water per day is eight 8-ounce glasses (2 liters, or half a gallon). If you are not drinking enough water, your body will begin to give you some warning signs. Some of the most common signs of dehydration are feeling tired, overheated, chronic joint pain and headaches.

Take a look at other signs and keep hydrated, especially during summer heat.

  • Feel hungry? Drink water! It’s easy to confuse being thirsty with being hungry.
  • Children gain heat faster than adults when the outside temperature is higher than their body temperature.
  • Your body is telling you it’s thirsty when you are dehydrated.
  • Drink plenty of water before and during physical activity. Research suggests drinking water can contribute to a healthy weight loss plan.