This video discusses the importance of hydration, how the human body compares to other living organisms, why our bodies need water, how much water our bodies need, and tips on how to increase your water intake and avoid dehydration.

Importance of Staying Hydrated (0:00-0:43)

With the temperatures rising and summer just around the corner, staying hydrated is essential!

Water Is Everywhere (0:44-1:00)

Water is everywhere. Cells can’t survive without it. That’s why water is in just about everything! So Lets see how the human body’s water content stacks up to other things!

The Human Body & Water (1:01-1:47)

The average adult body is composed of about 60% water. It’s the primary component of cells, tissues, and organs, and is involved in almost every important body function and system. Infants’ and young children’s bodies contain even more water — newborns have about 75% water in their bodies at birth. In comparison, older adults lose water during the aging process, maintaining about only 50% water content.

Fruits & Vegetables (1:48-2:14)

Did you know that the majority of fruits and vegetables are made of water too? The name says it all, watermelon is one of the most hydrating fruits you can find with other common household fruits following just behind. Iceberg lettuce has one of the highest volumes of water among all vegetables, but many others have concentrations over 90% too.

Animals (2:15-2:39)

Water can also be found in other animals…from our family pets to the jellyfish living deep in the seas. The anatomy of a jellyfish is quite simple-so simple, in fact, that only about 5% of their bodies is solid matter. Cats & Dogs, just like you and me, are composed of about two-thirds, or 60%, water.

The Earth (2:40-2:54)

Even the earth is made up of nearly 71% of water. Most of this water is found in the oceans and the rest can be found in glaciers, ice caps, rivers, lakes, and in the ground.

Why Is Water So Important? (2:55-3:26)

The easy answer is, we need it to survive! Consuming enough water and keeping yourself hydrated helps to regulate our body temperature, keep our joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and it keeps organs functioning properly. Being well-hydrated also improves quality of sleep, cognition, and mood.

How Much Water Do Need? (3:27-4:49)

Plus or minus 8 glasses of water everyday! Approximately 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day is recommended for men and approximately 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women. Keep in mind that you might need to modify your total fluid intake based on your level of exercise, environment, and overall health.

Tips for Increasing Your Fluid Intake (4:50-5:49)

Tips for increasing your fluid intake include carrying water with you everywhere you go, adding fresh or frozen fruit to your water, drinking lemon-flavored hot water or tea, trying flavored/calorie-free waters or adding a few drops of lemon or lime juice, switching things up with with fat-free milk, unsweetened tea, coffee, or other drinks without added sugars, and/or eating more fruits and vegetables….they are naturally high in water content.