Good hydration helps give skin a healthy look, cushions joints and helps prevent constipation. Most people need at least eight glasses of water each day. The actual amount an individual needs is affected by body size, activity level, altitude, physical health, caffeine and alcohol consumption, air temperature, humidity and the amount of fiber in the diet. Urine that ranges from clear to straw-colored.
Dark urine is a sure indication of poor hydration.
Healthy individuals should be able to urinate every hour or so. Less than that suggests your body is desperately hanging onto every drop of fluid it can. Regular bowel movements. Although certainly not the only factor in bowel health, poor hydration can cause constipation. To keep well-hydrated, never ignore thirst, limit caffeine and alcohol use and get in the habit of drinking water, even when not thirsty.