Trendy young people make a big point of staying hydrated, and honestly, they are on to something. Giving your body plenty of water makes you look and feel younger, improves your mood, and can help you tolerate a heat wave. But you don't have to follow a strict regimen to improve your own health with water. The most important thing to know is that if you wait until you are thirsty to take a drink, you are probably already dehydrated. I was hospitalized for dehydration once, and it's no picnic.
However, some of the scarier "rules" you've heard about hydration are things you don't need to worry about. Should you add electrolytes to your drinks? Does caffeine cause dehydration? How about alcohol? Is there anything better than water for hydration? And how much do you really need to drink in a day? For some questions, it just depends on whether you are a hard-working athlete or a regular Joe. Older people, those who take certain medications, and people who work outside in summer also need to pay attention to their water intake. As for how much to drink, the answer is usually just "more." Learn the basics of proper hydration without the hype at Science Focus. -via Real Clear Science
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