Now that the weather is warming up, it is important to be conscious about staying hydrated. Dehydration can happen quickly, especially when it’s hot outside. Not only is staying hydrated important for keeping your body functioning properly, but it also can have other benefits for your skin, hair, and overall energy levels throughout the day. But, how much water do you actually need to be drinking a day to stay properly hydrated? Keep reading to learn more about proper hydration.
At AFC Urgent Care Bedford, our walk-in clinic is here to provide support for cases of dehydration. Our medical providers are available 7 days a week to provide rehydration services. Simply walk into the clinic, or save your spot in line below.
How Much Water Should You Be Drinking?
How much water we actually need to drink during the day is something that is constantly debated. There is no magical number for how much water you need to drink a day because everyone's bodies and activity levels vary. However, there are a few factors you should consider. Firstly, men typically require more water than women because they’re larger. How active you are is also a major consideration when considering how much water you need to drink. If you’re sweating heavily throughout the day or during a big workout, you need to replace the water lost. The most important thing to consider is to listen to your body. Your body will tell you when it needs water!
Symptoms of Dehydration
One way to determine how much water you should drink is to be aware of the symptoms of dehydration. Dehydration can happen quickly, but is easily managed and even prevented with proper care. Common symptoms of dehydration include:
- Excessive thirst
- Dizziness
- Lack of energy
- Dark yellow urine
- Dry mouth or lips
If you notice these symptoms, it is important to take action to avoid severe dehydration. If you’re working out hard, always be sure to rehydrate with electrolytes to ensure you are getting enough salt content.
Tips for Staying Hydrated
If drinking more water and improving your hydration is one of your health goals, you may notice that it can be difficult to remember to constantly drink water. Increasing your water intake can have multiple positive effects on your overall health and wellness. If you’re struggling to increase your water intake, try these tips:
Carry a Water Bottle: Carrying a water bottle with you throughout the day will be a good reminder to drink as you feel thirsty, without having to find somewhere to buy water.
Use an App: There are plenty of online apps to help you track your water intake throughout the day. Some apps can also track exercise and suggest daily water intake based on your activity level.
Use Flavoring: If you’re tired of the taste of water, adding a flavoring like lemon juice or a drink powder can help make water more enticing. Just be sure to check for sugar levels, because high amounts of sugar can be detrimental to your health.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Bedford for Walk-In Dehydration Treatment
If you’re experiencing symptoms of dehydration, AFC Urgent Care Bedford is here to help. Our board-certified medical providers are experts at identifying symptoms of dehydration and providing the necessary supportive care. Your medical provider can also help you identify gaps in your water intake to prevent dehydration in the future.
Our clinic is open 7 days a week and accepts walk-in patients. We maintain short wait times, making it convenient to walk in when it works with your schedule. We work with most medical insurance providers and offer affordable rates for self-paying patients. Walk in today, or give us a call to speak with our medical team at (781) 430-8161.
