How much should we drink every day?Water is essential to good health, yet needs vary by individual.
Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years, but in truth, water needs depend on many factors, including our health, how active we are and where we live. Although no single formula fits everyone.
Health benefits of waterWater is our body's principal chemical component and makes up about 60 percent of our body weight. Every system in our body depends on water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to our cells, and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues.
Lack of
#water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when we don't have enough water in our body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain our energy and make us tired.
How much water do you need?Every day we lose water through our breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For our body to function properly, we must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water.
Do you make the mistake of waiting until you feel thirsty before drinking water?Thirst isn’t a signal from our body indicating that our body water level is depleting. It is a warning that we are dehydrated and we need to drink up soon. By the time we feel thirsty our body already have lost 1% of its water. So,Drink water at regular intervals so that you don’t get dehydrated.
So how much fluid does the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate need? The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly about 13 cups (3 liters) of total beverages a day. The AI for women is about 9 cups (2.2 liters) of total beverages a day.
What about the advice to drink 8 glasses a day?Everyone has heard the advice, "Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day." That's about 1.9 liters, which isn't that different from the Institute of Medicine recommendations. Although the "8 by 8" rule isn't supported by hard evidence, it remains popular because it's easy to remember. Just keep in mind that the rule should be reframed as: "Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day," because all fluids count toward the daily total.
+Lauren Winsett