Water Is Life: Hydration tips for the critical days of summer

Published July 13, 2012
By Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton
633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- With the temperature rising during the summer months, the concern for dehydration is increasing as well.

Water is one of the most important components of the human body, regulating temperature, cushioning and protecting vital organs and aiding the digestive system.

It also composes 75 percent of all muscle tissue, and about 10 percent of fatty tissue. With that in mind, it would be impossible for an individual to survive for more than a week without water.

To stay properly hydrated, consider these tips:

· Drink 17 to 20 ounces of water two to three hours before the start of exercise.

· Drink eight ounces of fluid 20 to 30 minutes prior to exercise or during warm-up.

· Drink seven to 10 ounces of fluid every 10 to 20 minutes during exercise.

· Drink an additional eight ounces of fluid within 30 minutes after exercising.

· Drink 16 to 24 ounces of fluid for every pound of body weight lost after exercise.

Hint: Rehydration occurs faster in the presence of sodium.