Pour It On

Water is essential to a body’s health in regulating body temperature, digesting and absorbing nutrients, lubricating joints, building cells, removing waste and, yes, keeping skin silky smooth.

Here are a few tips to help you drink enough water every day.

* Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day.

* Increase water consumption if you are dieting or if you have a cold or the flu.

* Drink more during warmer weather, especially if you are exercising or perspiring heavily.

* Drink before you get thirsty. If you wait until you’re thirsty, you’re already slightly dehydrated.

* Have a “water plan.” Keep a full pitcher, glass or water bottle handy to remind yourself.

* Drink extra water before and after vigorous activity or exercise.

* Figure on an extra 4 ounces for every 15 minutes of activity.

* Drink an extra glass of water for each cup of regular coffee or tea and for each glass of an alcoholic beverage that you drink because caffeine and alcohol dehydrate your body.

* Make sure your children, especially very young children, are getting enough water, particularly if they drink caffeinated soft drinks.

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If you exercise, here’s a chart to show how much extra water you need for certain activities:

Routine activity: 8 glasses

Brisk walk: 8 glasses plus 2 glasses

Golf: 8 glasses plus 4 glasses

Bicycling: 8 glasses plus 4 glasses

Jogging: 8 glasses plus 5 glasses

Source: Brita Products Co.