FitSugar

Quick Tip: Up Your Water Intake This Winter

Leta Shy — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:44:59 PST

As Winter nears, the cold weather may be annoying for many reasons, not the least of which is its dehydrating effect. When temps drop and winds increase, the air becomes drier, meaning our bodies aren't getting as much moisture as in warmer months. If you're feeling the effects of the drier air, here's a reminder to increase your water consumption.

We've long been told that the eight glasses of water a day that we need to drink is a myth (the actual number you need depends on a lot of different factors - read more on calculating your recommended daily water intake here), but what is true is that drinking more than that amount - within reason - isn't a bad thing. In fact, if you do drink eight glasses a day, your kidneys will thank you. Studies have found that drinking 64 ounces of water reduces the risk of developing kidney disease.

Two good reasons to up your water intake, so drink up! If a tall glass of icy water doesn't sound appealing during those cold days, warm up with these recipes for herbal tea.

DrSugar Answers: Caffeine, Coffee, and Diuretics

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:32:45 PDT

DrSugar is in the house! To celebrate National Coffee Day, she's answering an age-old question about how your cup of java affects your day.

DrSugar,
I am confused about coffee. I remember reading somewhere that coffee is only a mild diuretic and doesn't contribute to dehydration. But after I drink a cup of coffee or an espresso drink, my mouth feels dry and I need to pee more frequently. So I am hoping you can clarify this. Is coffee a diuretic? And how exactly do diuretics work? Is coffee dehydrating, or is it the caffeine?
- Confused Coffee Lover

Don't worry, you are not the only one out there confused about coffee! For years, medical experts had been saying that the caffeine in coffee acts as a potent diuretic, which leads to excessive urination resulting in dehydration. But, like you mentioned in your question, recent research has been published on this topic and the results appear to contradict the prior notion about coffee. Most studies have shown that in moderate amounts, the caffeine in coffee only has mild diuretic effects and does not lead to dehydration. To learn why, keep reading.

Reasons to Drink Water: It's More Than Just Hydration

Leta Shy — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 01:21:27 PDT

Given this Summer heat, it's likely you don't need anyone telling you to drink more water. But here's a quick reminder of all the benefits of H2O.

Proper hydration is always important, but this is especially true before you exercise. Studies have shown that dehydrated people do fewer reps and tire more quickly. Sounds obvious, but the reason why it happens is interesting: dehydration lowers the hormone levels necessary for building muscles. So make sure you drink enough - find out just how much water you should be drinking here.

Another reason why you should keep that water bottle handy: people who drink enough water end up eating fewer calories than those who don't. If you're looking to quench your thirst, opting for water is better than drinking high-calorie (and high fructose corn syrup laden) sodas. Think diet soda is a good water substitute? Think again - studies have found that people who drink diet sodas actually weigh more - and have waistlines that are 70 percent larger - than those who don't. So reach for the water, and drink up!

Don't Let Lil Ones Overheat! Check Your Dehydration Facts

Rebecca M Gruber — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 10:06:24 PDT

Summer sun and an afternoon at the pool sound like the key ingredients for a day of fun, but it can also be a recipe for dehydration. Just because kids are surrounded by water at their local swimming hole or the beach, doesn't mean they are taking in enough to keep them well-hydrated. The latest heat wave to grip the country may be waning, but another one is sure to be quick on its heels. Take this quiz to see how much you know about dehydration.

Take the Quiz

Need to Beat the Heat? Stock Up on Coconut Water

Leta Shy — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:58:06 PDT

In many parts of the country the heat wave is showing no signs of slowing down. While you can schedule your workouts earlier or later in the day and always have a water bottle nearby, extreme heat can put a damper on any enthusiasm for outdoor workouts. You need to take it a lot slower and pay attention to your body in the heat, since overheating can lead to heat exhaustion and dehydration.

One way to help prevent dehydration, whether you're braving triple digits for errands or trying to find a shady path to run, is to stock up on coconut water.

Read on for why coconut water is essential during the Summer heat.

Don't Dehydrate: How Much Water You Should Be Drinking

Leta Shy — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:50:42 PDT

Maybe the hard and fast rule that you should be drinking eight glasses a day is a myth, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't regularly be raising a glass. Keeping hydrated, especially in the hot Summer months, is important for staying healthy and energized.

Water is found in every part of our body, so downing enough H2O every day ensures our cells keep functioning properly and our bodies are free of toxins. And there's much to be said about water's other effects, from healthy-looking skin to appetite-suppressing properties.

How much water is enough?
If we don't have a magic formula to find exactly how much we should be drinking, then how do we find what works for us? How much water we need depends on how much we lose in a day. Your minimum amount that you need, for example, will be different on a hot day, after you hit the gym, and whether or not you are sitting at a desk all day. Other circumstances play a part in how much we should be drinking, like where you live, whether or not you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an illness.

Read on for to find out just how much water you should be drinking.

How to Know If Your Baby Is Dehydrated

Heather Dale — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 07:37:10 PDT

One would assume that with all the milk babies drink that they don't need any more fluids. But because babies have relatively small fluid reserves and high metabolic rates, they can easily lose electrolytes and water, which are crucial for their little bodies to function. And if your baby is having a bad bout of diarrhea, she'll also be susceptible to becoming dehydrated more quickly than usual.

Dehydration is reversible, but it's important to take action as soon as possible. If a baby's fluids aren't replenished over a long period of time then it even be fatal. Here are some important signs to watch for to know if your baby is dehydrated.

You Know You Need to Drink Water When . . .

Heather Dale — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:30:57 PST

I need to drink more water. It's evident throughout my day that I'm not properly hydrated because I get thirsty a lot - and that's without eating salty foods or taking part in midday exercise classes. Did you know that once you hit the point of being thirsty, you're already dehydrated? Our bodies are 2/3 water, so once you're dehydrated, the amount of water in the body has already dropped below what's needed for normal body function. We offer a nifty calculator to tell you how much water you should be consuming daily, but what are signs that tell you it's time to re-hydrate? Read on to find out!

Fit Tip: Drink Water From a Smaller Cup - You'll Move More!

FitSugar — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 09:30:00 PDT

Since I'm stuck behind a desk for most of the day, I make sure that I do all sorts of things to keep myself fit from 9-5. From a stash of healthy desk snacks to taking the stairs, it's important to stay on top of the health game when you're at work. Here's an easy way to double down on your health and keep it at an all-time high.

Find a small cup - something along the lines of a six-ounce coffee mug.
Take your small(ish) cup to the kitchen and fill it with water.
Get back to your desk, drink up, and when finished, repeat the above steps.

So simple, right? I know it kind of sounds silly, but since ditching my large Sigg bottle for a mug, I drink way more water and I'm no longer chained to my desk. A smaller cup means that I get up a lot for refill action. Now I'm hydrated, my blood is circulating more, and I'm on the move. Can we say win?

What's the Favorite Drinking Spot of Your Furry Friend?

PetSugar — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:30:19 PDT

Source: Flickr User Rob!