How Much Water Should You Really Drink?

The body is made up of about 60% water. Every system in your body needs water to function. We lose some of this water everyday in various ways, especially through urine and sweat. When you drink water, you replenish the water lose. Without enough water, your body cannot function properly. Your recommended intake is based on factors including your sex, age, activity level, and others, such as if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

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Water regulates your body temperature, lubricates your joint, protects your spine and other tissues, helps you eliminate waste through urine, sweat and faeces. Water keeps your skin looking healthy, and can also help manage your weight since it contains no calories. Drinking too much water may lead to dehydration. Drinking too much water may lead to hyponatremia, when the excess water in your system dilutes the electrolytes in your blood and reduces your sodium levels.

The question of how much water one should drink in a day is one that has brought about many different opinions. Health authorities tell you to follow the 8×8 rule, which is drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water everyday. That is about 2 litres. But when you think of it, you cannot really tell how much water you need as this depends on the individual. A bigger person will require more water than a smaller person. Also, someone who jogs every morning will need more water than someone whoHow much you should actually drink is more individualized than you might think. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) currently recommends that men should drink at least 104 ounces of water per day, which is 13 cups. They say women should drink at least 72 ounces, which is 9 cups. Even still, the answer to exactly how much water you should drink isn’t so simple. doesn’t. The current recommendation for adults around 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 liters for women. Staying hydrated goes beyond just the water you drink. Foods make up around 20 percent of your total fluid requirements each day. Along with drinking your 9 to 13 daily cups of water, try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

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Drink extra 1.5 to 2.5 cups of water each day if you exercise, more if you work out for longer than an hour. Take more water than usual when it gets hot because you lose more water when you sweat. When you have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, your body loses more fluids than usual, so drink more water. Your doctor may even suggest adding drinks with electrolytes to keep your electrolyte balance more stable. Drink when you are thirsty and every time you eat. Carry a water bottle around with you to drink from when you get thirsty, especially when going on trips or when working out. In all, drink water like your life depends on it, because it does.