title: The art and science of hydration.
abstract: It is understood that water is the most essential nutrient for life, yet research elucidating the fine points of hydration and fluid needs is still in its youth. Public recommendations based on scientific evidence are not always translated by the media into useful and practical guidelines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further research investigating the benefits of all fluids, and water in particular, as beverages to meet hydration and health needs will help clarify the controversies over how much water we should drink every day. Health practitioners must further work to assist patients with designing practical fluid intake strategies to ensure adequate hydration.
authors.affiliation: High Performance Nutrition, Mercer Island, Washington 98040, USA. susan@powereating.com
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Kleiner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004327:Drinking Behavior; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006184:Habits; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance