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Drink to Your Health

How to make sure you get the proper amount of water

Question: I always seem to be thirsty, especially after working out. How much water should I be drinking? – Mary, Farmington Hills

Answer: That’s an excellent question, Mary. Whether it’s December or July, your body needs water. Water is crucial to virtually every basic function of the body; without it we would die within days.

Thirst is a lousy barometer of whether or not you need water. By the time you’re thirsty, it’s too late. You may already be on the road to dehydration. In fact, an estimated 75% of Americans have mild, chronic dehydration. It’s shocking! Just a mere 2% drop in our body’s water supply can trigger signs of dehydration.

What symptoms will you notice from drinking too little water? The most common are constipation, dry and itchy skin, acne, nose bleeds, repeated urinary tract infections, dry and unproductive coughs, constant sneezing, sinus pressure and headaches. Mild dehydration is one of the most common causes of daytime fatigue.

The average person should be drinking at least 6 to 8 cups of water a day. To be even more specific about your intake needs, divide your body weight by 2. This gives you the number of ounces of water you should be drinking daily. Then divide the number of ounces by 8. This gives you the number of cups of water you need to drink daily. During exercise, try to drink at least 4 to 5 ounces of water every 20 minutes.

A good trick to ensure you drink the proper amount of water every day is to measure out your daily allotment of water and put it in a pitcher or jug, either on your counter, your desk at work or in the refrigerator. When that container is empty each day, you know you are drinking the proper amount of water. You’ll notice a difference in your workout and the way you feel, so you can seize the moment of each and every day

For more of Peter Nielsen’s health, fitness and nutrition tips, check out Peter’s Principles, Peter’s nationally syndicated television show, 7 p.m. Dec. 22 on WDIV-TV. You can also listen to Peter’s radio show weekdays at 11:25 a.m. on WJR-AM 760. To reach Peter at his health clubs, call 248.855.0345; for more information on Peter’s show or his products, visit www.peternielsen.com.

Editor’s Note: This month, Vital debuts Peter’s Principles, a new monthly question-and-answer feature where fitness expert Peter Nielsen will be answering your questions. Many of you know Peter from his syndicated television and radio shows, and his knowledgeable insight into nutrition, exercise and general well-being is a welcome addition to our pages. Have a question for Peter? E-mail it to cmnelson@dnps.com and put “Peter’s Principles” in the subject line.