During a day of normal activity, the body needs about two quarts of liquid to replace lost body fluids. About 48 ounces should come from drinking water and other hydrating beverages. The remainder, about two cups, comes from solid foods.
Doctors at the University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance say fruits and vegetables are 85 to 96 percent water, while steak is 50 percent. When exercising, 1/2 to 1 quart of fluids per hour is required to replace fluid lost from sweat during moderate physical activity.
In hot weather, the liquid requirement during exercise is higher, depending on temperature and activity. In addition, it's important to drink water before starting non-exercise outdoor activities, such as gardening.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
