Be Sure to Drink Enough Water

Drink Water When Increasing Your Fiber Intake

Water helps the gastrointestinal tract adapt to a high-fiber diet which is cornerstone to weight loss and optimal nutrition. The human body is made up of 50 to 75 percent water, so replacing your body’s fluid balance each day is crucial for proper function. The average adult loses about two and a half quarts or about 10 cups of water daily. Thirst is NOT a reliable signal that your body needs more water. By the time you feel thirsty, 2 or more cups of body fluids may be gone.

Tips for Drinking Enough Water Each Day

• Take a water break instead of a coffee break.

• Keep a cup or bottle of water handy at your desk.

• Take a drink whenever you walk by a water fountain.

• Keep a bottle of water in your backpack or tote bag.

•  Eat lots of foods with a high water content.

• All fluids like juice, tea, soup, and even coffee count.

While many food and beverages often contain water and therefore add to one's daily intake, the caffeine in coffee and other caffeinated beverages have a diuretic effect, thereby increasing water loss through urination. The more caffeine you drink, the greater the potential for increased water loss. To make sure that you are following the wise old advice to “drink plenty of fluids,” you should drink enough to keep your urine clear and pale in color. If your urine is deep yellow, you may not be drinking enough.