In the article "Here's how to drink more water, according to an expert — and gear that might help, starting at $10," Scott Keatley, RD, provides valuable insights into the importance of hydration and practical advice on how to achieve daily water intake goals. His key contributions include:
Emphasizing the Importance of Hydration: Keatley highlights that water is essential for metabolic processes in the body, noting that even slight dehydration can affect athletic performance, cardiovascular function, and body temperature regulation.
Recommending Water Intake Targets: He references guidelines from the National Academies' Institute of Medicine, which suggest that men should aim for 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids daily, while women should target 11.5 cups (2.7 liters). He acknowledges that this includes fluids from both drinks and foods.
Advising on Hydration Strategies: Keatley suggests incorporating fruits and vegetables into the diet to boost hydration due to their high water content. He also recommends including other beverages like coffee and tea to meet hydration goals.
Customizing Hydration Needs: For active individuals who sweat a lot, Keatley advises adjusting water intake to meet specific needs, emphasizing personalized hydration.
Practical Tips for Staying Hydrated: Keatley recommends using water bottles to track and increase water intake, suggesting that bottles holding up to a liter can be practical for daily use. He also mentions that bottles with time markers can serve as reminders to stay hydrated.
Setting Realistic Goals: Keatley encourages setting daily hydration goals to gauge effectiveness while cautioning against overconsumption of water beyond what the body requires.
His advice is complemented by product recommendations that offer tools to help readers achieve their hydration goals efficiently and enjoyably.