| Fluids help to prevent healthy digestion by lubricating | | | | In the morning hours, a beverage that is heated up |
| the food waste in the body. This allows it to pass | | | | may be more beneficial than a cold one. This is |
| more easily through the digestive tract. Fluids also | | | | especially true if you are often bothered by |
| soften the stool, which in turn helps to prevent | | | | constipation. After about 30 minutes of drinking a |
| constipation. Fluids also dissolve vitamins, minerals, and | | | | warm liquid, the body sometimes has a natural urge to |
| other nutrients, helping the body's tissues to absorb | | | | pass stool. Drinking a caffeinated beverage, such as |
| them easier. | | | | coffee, may stimulate a bowel movement. |
| Generally, the best way for the body to get fluids is to | | | | So how much fluid is the right amount? To determine |
| feed it plenty of water. Juices, milk, and other | | | | how much fluid your body needs, divide your body |
| beverages are about 90% water, so they can also | | | | weight in half (In pounds). The answer is approximately |
| help the body to meet its daily fluid needs. | | | | the recommended daily amount of fluid in ounces. In |
| On the other hand, caffeinated beverages and alcohol | | | | other words, if you weigh 160 pounds, then half of that |
| do not count. They act as diuretics in some people, | | | | is 90 pounds. You should drink 80 ounces of fluid daily, |
| which increases urination and fluid loss. There is also | | | | but 16 ounces daily is the minimum amount of liquid the |
| evidence that caffeine and alcohol contribute to | | | | human body should ever take in, regardless of body |
| heartburn, indigestion, and other digestive problems. | | | | weight. |