Headaches are a common health problem and can be caused by different factors including dehydration. However, how much water do you need to keep from getting a headache? We asked health experts from Bend about the optimal daily intake of water and how it can help mitigate headaches.
According to Bend’s Dr. Shelley Silsby of Ember Health Wellness, Headaches can result from a lack of proper hydration. “Headache research doesn’t pinpoint dehydration as the sole or primary cause of a headache, however there are many nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are water soluble and need to be maintained by drinking water. When your body is dehydrated, you are not giving it the essential nutrients and minerals that it needs to function optimally and are more likely to encounter headaches,” says Dr. Silsby.
How Much Water to Drink?
How much water is enough is a common question amongst health-conscious individuals. The Institute of Medicine recommends the following water intake per day: 3.7 liters (125 ounces) for men and 2.7 liters (91 ounces) for women. This includes both water-rich foods and beverages.
“It is vital to listen to your individual body,” says Dr. Silsby, “as many factors play a role in the amount of water one needs including age, weight, activity level, and the environment you are in. It is also important to rely on thirst as a guide. If you are thirsty, drink water.” In Bend, where the average temperature is 55 degrees, less water may be needed due to the cooler environment.
Signs of Dehydration and How to Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated goes hand-in-hand with preventing dehydration, a condition in which the body loses more water than it takes in. An individual can be dehydrated and yet not feel thirsty. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, an increase in thirst, headache, and infrequent urination. If you do feel thirsty, the best option is to drink water or fruit-infused water.
There are other tips for staying hydrated that can prevent dehydration and therefore headaches. Dr. Silsby recommends: “Eating water-rich foods, such as cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, and watermelon, can help you stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day instead of trying to cram your daily dose of water into one or two glasses and be mindful of the active and passive sources of dehydration such as sweating and breathing.”
Conclusion
As Bend’s health experts agree, staying well-hydrated should be a priority as it can help to prevent headaches. Water intake plays a significant role in promoting overall health and a properly functioning body. Dr. Silsby and her colleagues suggest that monitoring your individual water needs in addition to paying attention to the signs of dehydration can be the keys to staying well-hydrated and headache-free.
