Water is the elixir of life and makes for about 70% of the planet and the human body. It’s a common saying that water can possibly solve all your problems. If you question how much water a person should drink every day, the answers are varied. It deserves a detailed answer. No one formula fits everyone but knowing more about how it helps can help you determine how much your body needs this healthy fluid each day.
Intake of Water in a Day
You lose water every day through your breath, sweat, urine, and bowels. You must refill your body’s water supply by ingesting water-containing drinks and meals in order for it to function correctly. The common standard that everyone has heard of is 8 glasses every day. So, how much fluid does a normal, healthy adult in a temperate environment require? A sufficient daily fluid intake, according to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in the United States, is:
- Men should drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of liquid every day.
- Women should drink about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of liquid every day.
These guidelines apply to fluids such as water, beverages, and meals. Food accounts for around 20% of daily fluid consumption, with the remainder coming from liquids. (Mayo Clinic, 2020)
You’ll need to drink extra water to keep hydrated if you’re outside on a hot day or doing anything that causes you to sweat. If you have an ailment that causes you to vomit, have diarrhea, or have a fever, the same applies. You may need to reduce your fluid consumption if you have a condition like heart failure or a certain form of renal illness. (Bhargava, 2020)
Water Consumption by Age
How much water children require is determined by a variety of factors, including their age, weight, and gender. Other factors to consider are how healthy and active they are, as well as the environment. Children and teenagers, on average, require 6 to 8 glasses of water each day. They should also consume plenty of water-rich fruits and vegetables. Drinking a half cup to two cups of water every 15 to 20 minutes during play or activity is an excellent objective. (Bhargava, 2020)
What Counts as Water?
Your daily water consumption should come from various sources, including drinking water, beverages, and meals. However, keep in mind that certain fluids have downsides. Juices, sodas, and smoothies, for example, can be hydrating but also heavy in sugar and calories. Water is also provided by coffee and tea. Caffeine, on the other hand, might cause you to lose more water when you urinate. The average healthy person may comfortably consume 2 to 4 8-ounce cups of coffee each day. Water is also present in alcoholic beverages. However, they, like coffee, are dehydrating.
Water is abundant in sports drinks. They also include carbs and electrolytes, which can aid in water absorption and energy maintenance. They replace salt lost through perspiration during strenuous activities. However, keep in mind that many of them also include a lot of extra calories, sugar, and sodium. Look at the nutritional information on the package. Pay attention to the serving size and balance sports drinks with plain water. (Bhargava, 2020)
Dehydration
Dehydration is a condition that develops when your body does not have enough water to carry out regular tasks due to a lack of water. Dehydration, even minor dehydration, may sap your vitality and leave you exhausted. Being a principal component of the human system, water is required for the efficient functioning of every cell, tissue, and organ in your body. Urination, sweating, and bowel movements are all ways in which water helps our bodies get rid of waste. Water helps maintain a healthy body temperature, lubricates and cushions joints, and protects delicate tissues. (Mayo Clinic, 2020)
Hydration
The best way to stay hydrated is to keep sipping on water throughout the day. You can also download apps that remind you to drink water. Light colored urine and regular urination means you’re consuming water in the right ways. Be sure to hydrate yourself and help your family stay hydrated for good health. It’s always a good habit to keep sipping!
Works Cited
Bhargava, Hansa D. “How Much Water Should You Drink Every Day?” WebMD, WebMD, 25 June 2020, www.webmd.com/diet/how-much-water-to-drink#1.
“How Much Water Do You Need to Stay Healthy?” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 14 Oct. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256.
