Feel slow or weak? Drink more water! - Lifelines - Brief Article

Vibrant Life, Nov-Dec, 2002

If your mental alertness, endurance, and energy levels aren't quite "up to par," you might need more water.

Most people need about eight glasses per day in addition to the water in food. Signs of good hydration include:

* Urine that ranges from clear to straw-colored. Dark urine is a sure sign of poor hydration.

* Regular urination. Healthy people should be able to urinate every hour or so. Less than that suggests that your body is hanging on to every drop of fluid it can.

To keep well hydrated, get in the habit of drinking water even if you aren't thirsty.

(Baylor College of Medicine)