In a study in young women, researchers found that fluid loss of 1. It also increased the frequency of headaches 6. Many members of this same research team conducted a similar study in young men. They found that fluid loss of 1.

This can easily occur through normal daily activities, let alone during exercise or high heat. Many other studies, with subjects ranging from children to older adults , have shown that mild dehydration can impair mood, memory, and brain performance 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , Dehydration can trigger headaches and migraine in some individuals 14 , A study in men found that drinking an additional However, not all studies agree, and researchers have concluded that because of the lack of high quality studies, more research is needed to confirm how increasing hydration may help improve headache symptoms and decrease headache frequency Drinking water may help reduce headaches and headache symptoms.

However, more high quality research is needed to confirm this potential benefit. Low water consumption appears to be a risk factor for constipation in both younger and older individuals 18 , Mineral water may be a particularly beneficial beverage for those with constipation.

The most common form is kidney stones , which form in the kidneys. Higher fluid intake increases the volume of urine passing through the kidneys. Water may also help prevent the initial formation of stones, but studies are required to confirm this. A hangover refers to the unpleasant symptoms experienced after drinking alcohol.

Alcohol is a diuretic, so it makes you lose more water than you take in. This can lead to dehydration 24 , 25 , Good ways to reduce hangovers are to drink a glass of water between drinks and have at least one big glass of water before going to bed.

Hangovers are partly caused by dehydration, and drinking water can help reduce some of the main symptoms of hangovers. Drinking plenty of water can help you lose weight. Some evidence suggests that increasing water intake can promote weight loss by slightly increasing your metabolism, which can increase the number of calories you burn on a daily basis.

A study in 50 young women with overweight demonstrated that drinking an additional The timing is important too. Drinking water half an hour before meals is the most effective. It can make you feel more full so that you eat fewer calories 28 , But for non-athletes, sports drinks are simply another sugary beverage.

Caffeine is found in drinks like coffee, some teas, energy drinks, and sodas. While you may urinate more after drinking a caffeinated drink, drinking these beverages does not cause you to lose more fluid than you consumed.

However, caffeine can lead to headaches and trouble sleeping in some people. Overall, water is your best bet to stay hydrated. When kept at high temperatures, the chemical bonds in plastic water bottles break down.

This can increase the chance that chemicals get in the water. According to the U. Food and Drug Administration FDA , this amount of chemicals is too small to cause health problems, but it can add up. Keep bottled water at the same temperature as other groceries.

Avoid leaving plastic bottles in a hot car during summer heat. Instead, put a water bottle in your bag or by the door, so you can remember to grab it on your way out. Most people are familiar with what dehydration is and how it happens. But is overhydration possible?

Overhydrating happens when someone drinks large amounts of water , which can alter the levels of electrolytes in the body like chloride, sodium, and potassium. Not drinking enough fluid dehydration can lead to symptoms like thirst, flushing, fatigue, and fast breathing.

In contrast, drinking too much fluid overhydration can cause nausea, headaches, cramps, weakness, and confusion. For most people, dehydration is a greater risk. But if you are concerned about or having symptoms of overhydration, talk to your doctor.

For adults, a half-gallon — 64 ounces, or eight 8-ounce glasses — is recommended. Ly says. Skip the diet drinks, though. Sugar helps the electrolytes absorb. Both doctors agree, your best defense against dehydration is prevention.

Follow these six tips to stay safe and healthy, especially when temperatures — or your activity levels — increase:. This content appeared in San Diego Health , a publication in partnership between Scripps and San Diego Magazine that celebrates the healthy spirit of San Diego.

Your browser is out-of-date! Flavor your water. If plain water tastes boring to you, you can add flavor with fresh fruits or a splash of fruit juice.