Princeton, NJ Health Care Guide Articles

Water, Electrolytes and Recipes for Hydration

It's the warmest month of the year, so we thought it would be a good time to share tips on staying hydrated. This information was contributed by Acupuncturist Karen H. Flicker, L.Ac. 

Water and Our Body: What Does It Do?

• Removes waste

• Regulates body temperature

• Helps carry nutrients and oxygen to cells, and helps the body to absorb nutrients

• Moistens oxygen for breathing

• Helps convert food into energy through cellular transport mechanism

• Protects and cushions vital organs and joints

• Makes up 75% of muscles

• Makes up 83% of blood

• Composes 75% of our brain

• Accounts for 22% of bones

Every day, fluid is lost through breathing, sweating, urination and bowel movements. When we are adequately hydrated, our urine should look as close to clear as possible. Along with water, small amounts of salts or electrolytes are also lost. Our bodies are constantly readjusting the balance between water losses and fluid intake.

A good rule of thumb is to drink at least eight glasses a day, but optimally the formula is half your body weight in ounces, so someone who weighs 140 lbs. should be drinking 70 oz. of water a day. This will also vary depending on activity level, climate, lifestyle and physical condition. Read more...