Drinking ample amounts of water is one of the best things you can do for your health in every regard. Being hydrated helps your heart pump blood, helps your joints move well, allows your organs to do their job and assists your muscles as they work.

Not only does drinking water have all these benefits, but it will also help you think more clearly, avoid unnecessary snacking and prevent dehydration—all great things!

But how do you know if you are drinking enough water? Thankfully, there are some helpful ways to tell your AFC Urgent Care North Carolina team took the time to put together.

How Will I Know When I’m Drinking Enough Water?

As a general rule of thumb, if you are feeling thirsty, your body is already dehydrated.

The amount of water you are supposed to drink will vary based on your activity and sweat levels, but it is important to establish a baseline that works for your body and then increase your water intake from there if you are doing activities that will cause you to lose water.

Amount of Water to Aim to Drink Daily

• For men: drink a minimum of 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) daily.
• For women: drink a minimum of 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) daily.

When Will I Need to Increase My Water Intake?

While the amounts listed above are a great place to start, there are many situations where you will want to increase the amount of water you are drinking to prevent yourself from becoming dehydrated.

Intense exercise, sweating, adding more sodium in your diet, taking certain medications and certain medical conditions will all necessitate more water being consumed to stay healthy.

Tips for Increasing Your Water Intake

• Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times.
• Set hourly water goals for yourself.
• Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables.

Drinking enough water is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health and wellness. If you have questions about other ways you can live a healthy lifestyle, our AFC Urgent Care North Carolina team is here to help you.