Beyond the Tap

Summer is here and now more than ever its vital to stay hydrated! Since the human body is comprised of over 60% water, you have to be sure to maintain a healthy H2O balance so that your body can function properly. Factors that lead to water loss include exercise, hot temperatures, high altitudes and illness. Even if you're inactive, your body can lose approximately 80 ounces of water a day in urine, sweat, bowel movements and breathing! 

The majority of healthy adults usually meet their daily hydration needs by using their thirst as their guide. Most people follow the 8x8 rule: (8) 8 oz. glasses of water a day, but there isn't any scientific evidence to back this up. If you don't drink that much no need to worry. In general, according to The Institute of Medicine, the recommendation is approximately 2.7 liters (91 oz.) for women and approximately 3.7 liters (125 oz.) for men of total water daily; meaning the amount you get from drinking AND eating! That's more then enough to replace any water lost. Of course, 80% of your hydration needs comes from drinking water or water-based beverages; for example, teas, coffees (although better to drink decaffeinated since caffeine is a diuretic), juices, sports drinks, milk, diet sodas, and soups. But did you know the other 20% comes from the food you eat?

By adding foods high in water content to your diet, the benefit is two-fold. You will gain the nutritional benefits from these foods and because of the increased water content; you'll feel fuller and less hungry! Here are your juiciest best bets to look for at your grocers or local farmers markets, since many are at or nearing their peak season. Each has at least 90% or greater water content:

Although it's a great idea to keep water handy, this list just shows that you don't need to rely only on what you drink to fulfill your hydration needs, but also what you eat!