Drinking Water:
• Why important?
• How much do you need?
• What increases your need?
• Bottled vs. Tap water

Water...Why is it Important?
Can survive less than 1 week without water
~60% of an adult’s body weight is water
Not just in blood. Muscle & brain tissue
~75% water by weight.
No capacity to store extra water
Most important essential nutrient!

Water...Why is it Important?
Functions of water:
Carries nutrients to cells & waste away.
Ø Without water cells die.
Medium in which chemical reactions occur
Regulates body temperature
Ø Skin allows you to lose heat (sweat)
Ø Water has a high heat capacity

How much do you need?
Weight (lbs.) by 2 = ounces of fluids/day
Determine how much you need each day

How do you know if you are hydrated?
First signs of dehydration: thirst & fatigue
Most useful indicator: color of urine
Drink water and weight goes up, you needed
the water.

What increases your water needs?
High intake of alcohol, protein, sodium
& fiber
Strenuous exercise & hot weather
Airplane travel
Ø High altitude & low cabin humidity
Ø SF to NY you lose 4-6 cups of water

Do you need to drink only water?
No! Any beverage will do except alcohol
Ø Alcohol is a diuretic
Foods supply water
Ø Fruits & Veggies

Bottled Water vs. Tap Water
Bottled Water
Regulated by the FDA
Tested once per week
1/3 filtered tap water
-Dasani, Aquafina
“purified water”
Look for “spring water” if
you don’t want tap water
Recycle bottle
Tap Water
Regulated by the EPA
Tested several times/day
Tap water is safe to drink.
Tap water is free!
Environmentally frien