Staying hydrated is essential during hot Florida summers

August 7, 2014

From WCJB's Your Health segment originally aired 8-4-14.

Click here to watch the video.

Raise your glass, of water. It's summer in Florida and it's time for your annual reminder of the why and how to drink up. Water serves as our own personal air conditioner cooling us down when it gets too hot.

Temperature regulation isn't the only function of our bodies relying on water. It helps every system of your body work properly.

It keeps your joints lubricated and your skin fresh and glowing. It keeps you from getting constipated (and grumpy) and fills up your stomach so you are less likely to overeat, a really nice perk. You will have more energy, less headaches, and an overall better mood.

In most cases, listening to your body and drinking when you're thirsty should be adequate to keep your hydration levels balanced. However, sometimes we get busy and ignore the signs our body is giving us, so here is a good rule of thumb. The Institute of Medicine recommends men drink 3 liters of water a day and women should drink 2.2 liters every day. Now, if you're a little metrically-challenged 1 liter is about 33 ounces. So, you know that guy who filled his 32 oz. BIG GULP at the gas station with Mountain Dew? Drink approximately that amount of water - times 3 - every day.

Click here to watch the video.