HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD YOU DRINK PER DAY?

There are many different opinions on how much water you should be drinking every day. The body is about 60% water, give or take. Health authorities commonly recommend eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon. This is called the 8×8 rule and is very easy to remember. This article takes a look at some water intake studies to separate fact from fiction and explains how to easily match water intake to your individual needs.

How Much Water Is Best?

Try experimenting to see what works best for you. Some people may function better with more water than usual, while for others it only results in more frequent trips to the bathroom.

If you want to keep things simple, these guidelines should apply to the majority of people:

1. When you’re thirsty, drink.
2. When you’re not thirsty anymore, stop.
3. During high heat and exercise, make sure to drink enough to compensate for the lost fluids.

Trust Your Thirst — It’s There for a Reason

Most people don’t need to consciously think about their water intake, as the thirst mechanism in the brain is very effective. However, certain circumstances do call for increased attention to water intake.

Do Other Fluids Count Toward Your Total?

Other beverages can contribute to fluid balance, including coffee and tea. Most foods also contain water.

For online coaching click here

Does More Water Help Prevent Health Problems?

Drinking more water may help with some health problems, such as constipation and kidney stones, but more studies are needed.

Does Drinking a Lot of Water Help You Lose Weight?

Drinking water can cause mild, temporary increases in metabolism, and drinking it about a half hour before each meal can make you automatically eat fewer calories. Both of these effects contribute to weight loss.