Why do I keep hearing that I should drink 8 glasses of water per day? This is because 60% of your body is made of water and water is lost through breathing, perspiration, and elimination. Without enough water, your body will experience dehydration, which can leave you feeling tired and low on energy.
Every tissue and organ in your body depends on water for proper functioning. Water helps to flush toxins from your body and allows medications to work properly; water even helps keep your skin moist.
How much water do I need?
This can depend on height, activity level, sweat ratio, outdoor weather, indoor heating, and health conditions. Even pregnancy creates a need for extra water each day. Men require 2-3 more cups of water each day than women. The average water intake for females is 8-9 cups per day and men 12-13 cups per day. When planning your water intake, consider (8) 8-oz. cups a day, or (4) 16-oz. bottles of water/day, to meet your fluid needs.
*Health conditions may vary your needs for fluid intake.
Do other fluids count as water?
Yes, other fluids such as juices, coffee, and sodas may count towards your daily water/fluid needs, but water is the best liquid for purely removing toxins from your body. Lastly, water helps create a feeling of fullness in your stomach and you will help you eat less when feeling full.
Tips to help you drink more water:
- Set out a container or pitcher, which contains 64 oz. of water and know that you need to finish this by the end of the day. (Pour a certain amount to complete at work if needed.)
- Keep a tally sheet and mark off as you complete each cup of water.
- Unless you are sweating excessively, try drinking 16-oz. of water at one time. This leaves only 4 times a day to get your water in.
- Shop for beautiful fresh lemons or limes to add to your water for flavor.
- Limit yourself to 16-oz of water at each serving to avoid over-hydration and working your kidneys too hard (unless you are sweating excessively.)