PHOENIX — These scorching temperatures aren’t going away anytime soon and many people are telling you to stay hydrated, but how much should you be drinking? do you have?
Dr. Janice Johnston, ABC15 Health Insider, provides insight into how to manage your health.
Johnston, chief medical officer at Redirect Health, says people should drink about 8 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes.
Does water consumption vary with weight and build?
Dr. Johnston said there is no “perfect answer” to this, but a general rule of thumb is to weigh people and divide by two.
“This is how much water you should normally drink in a day,” she said. “It can vary depending on your weight, but there is another important thing to consider: How active are you doing? What time are you going out? What medical conditions? Is it possible that there is
The amount of water may vary depending on the medical condition. Dr. Johnston says people with congestive heart failure or kidney disease should limit their water intake. People who are breastfeeding or who are sick should also drink more fluids. Patients should consult their doctor on how to cope with the heat according to their medical condition.
Is there such a thing as too much water?
Dr. Johnston does. He said people need to be properly hydrated, but drinking more than 2-4 liters per hour can be too much.
“What happens then is that sodium levels can start to drop, and our bodies and organs need a certain amount of sodium to function properly,” Johnston said. .
He said people should drink water constantly throughout the day and hydration starts the day before.
“Many times just feeling tired is a big sign of dehydration. When you start feeling dehydrated and you’re already behind, you want to get ahead? So until you’re thirsty. You don’t have to wait to start hydrating, you want to do it before,” Johnston said.
Some people have started using electrolyte powders such as liquid IV packets and other brands to stay hydrated. Johnston says that, like sports drinks like Powerade and Gatorade, it’s a good thing, but it needs to be limited. Water is the best source, she added.
“Be mindful of how much sugar you consume,” she said. “Alcohol and such should be avoided at all costs, so avoid sugary drinks such as soda and caffeinated products as they can cause dehydration, even if they are liquids.”
