Really that much water???

ktmccorkell

I heard somewhere that you are suppose to drink half your weight (in ounces) of water. I really do like drinking water and I have no problem drinking 8-10 glasses a day, but at 292 lbs that would be 18 glasses a day. I just don't know if that can be done or if that's really that good for you???

StevLL

If you are really working out a lot or losing at a high rate the more water you drink the better you'll flush your system. When I drink 12-14 cups I do well if I do less not so much.

bprague

I drank 22 cups yesterday. It can be done, and frankly I feel gross if I'm even at 13.

HangoverSquare

I haven't heard of this before, but I'm not a fitness guru, though.

I usually stick to 8-10 glasses a day. Spread out through the whole day, it's not too hard to do. Maybe someone else could address your issue.

birdlover97111

"The Solution to Pollution is Dilution"

I drink a minimum of 1 full gallon of pure water per day...If I drink less, I start retaining water and I get a headache...It's good for you...Water has been replaced far too long by diet sodas, sugar free drink mixes and the like...Believe me, the more water you drink, the more your body will eventually crave it....Do yourself a favor and drink more water...*cheers*... :drinker:

_GlaDOS_

No, there is no science behind any of it. Drink when you are thirsty.

sarahmaryfearnley

Water is the essence of life, you can not have too much. The only time water has a small possibility of making you sick is if you are drinking tons of totally distilled water (only H's and O's). Most distilled water still has extras in it anyways so its very unlikely.

I regularly drink 20-30 cups a day and I still feel thirsty sometimes. So far today, I'm at 18 cups. Also remember 1 cup=8oz so if you drink a bottle of water, that can be 3 glasses right there, bam! I like 20oz mardis gras cups so every glass is 2.5cups.

sarahmaryfearnley

"The Solution to Pollution is Dilution"

I drink a minimum of 1 full gallon of pure water per day...If I drink less, I start retaining water and I get a headache...It's good for you...Water has been replaced far too long by diet sodas, sugar free drink mixes and the like...Believe me, the more water you drink, the more your body will eventually crave it....Do yourself a favor and drink more water...*cheers*... :drinker:

Love it! Sing it to me sister!

tacomom

I was told to drink between 12 and 18 glasses of water a day. Seems like a lot and I have a hard time doing this but it can be done. I know you can get too much water so in the 12 to 18 glasses I was told to watch my urine. It should look like a light colored lemonade. If it was darker more water and clear too much water. Remember though the water is 8oz not a glass (I tended to consider my 16 or 20 oz cups as one glass). You also get water in teas, coffee, etc. Make sure you count that as well. I do work out at least 3 days a week and I know that those days I find myself hitting that water goal a lot easier! I hope this helps.

ChristalJo

Just be careful not to drink too much water. And yes, you can do that. I had to cut my water consumption in half, because I was literally drinking about 30 bottles (20 oz size) a day...Because that is what I LIKE to drink and what I CRAVE and I am ALWAYS thirsty. Like I said, just be careful. It WILL strip the good stuff out of your system.

Jade_Butterfly

That is correct m'dear. . It helps to flush your body of fat and toxins. . .keep your organs functioning at optimal capacity. . So rockin the water is a good thing.

Huskeryogi

My personal experience. I tried to drink half my body weight in ounces of water and got pretty close for about 2-3 weeks, but I still had to pee ALL THE TIME. At that point I did some research and I couldn't figure out where the water recommendation came from. Now all I drink is water and one can of pop a day, but I just drink when I'm thirsty and it comes out to about 6-8 glasses a day. I only force liquids if I'm planning on having alcohol in the evening.

If your urine is almost colorless and odorless you are hydrated in my opinion. I am glad I forced water for a few weeks though because I feel like it "reset" my thirst sensors. After years of being a pop only drinker I was used to drinking when I needed a "fizz" fix not thirst.

_GlaDOS_

http://www.asn-online.org/press/pdf/2008-Media/Water Study.pdf

http://www.snopes.com/medical/myths/8glasses.asp

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1583752/No-benefit-in-drinking-eight-glasses-of-water-a-day-scientists-say.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/04/02/us-water-health-idUSN0236679720080402

And the other idea about drinking a ton of water to "flush out toxins" or to "detoxify" is also a myth. In fact, there is research put there to show drinking large amounts of water may reduce the ability the kidneys have to be a filter for "toxins".

Drink when you are thirsty and you will be fine.

jtbaddison

The British Medical Journal just published an article that claims to debunk the 8 glasses of water myth. I don't have a strong opinion on the issue, but it does appear to be pushed by large bottled water companies, which makes me wary. It reminds me of Corn Growers (High Fructose Corn Syrup) and Honey Producers trying to covince people of how healthy their products are.

Excerpt:
Dr McCartney explains that “it says on the NHS Choices website, ‘Try to drink about six to eight glasses of water (or other fluids) a day to prevent dehydration’. This is not only nonsense, but is thoroughly debunked nonsense. There is no published scientific evidence to support these claims – we have known this since a review of the evidence carried out in 2002.”

The entire article:
http://www.bmj.com/content/343/bmj.d4280.extract

_GlaDOS_

The British Medical Journal just published an article that claims to debunk the 8 glasses of water myth. I don't have a strong opinion on the issue, but it does appear to be pushed by large bottled water companies, which makes me wary. It reminds me of Corn Growers (High Fructose Corn Syrup) and Honey Producers trying to covince people of how healthy their products are.

Excerpt:
Dr McCartney explains that “it says on the NHS Choices website, ‘Try to drink about six to eight glasses of water (or other fluids) a day to prevent dehydration’. This is not only nonsense, but is thoroughly debunked nonsense. There is no published scientific evidence to support these claims – we have known this since a review of the evidence carried out in 2002.”

The entire article:
http://www.bmj.com/content/343/bmj.d4280.extract

Ah, someone who agrees with the science. Thank you.

tyadrake

I keepa1.5 L bottle of water on me at all times. I usually refill it 3-4 times a day and on the days I have a hard work out I fill it 5-6 times. The only thing that sucks is constantly being in the bathroom! :-) Not good for when you have to be running errands and have to pee every 45 minutes! But well worth it!

everettvg

If you get a gal. jug and put 1 decalf tea bag in it you will be suprised how much water you can drink. Also I have a large drink bottle and always keep it in your sight. I thought the same thing till I really got going and it is easier than you think!

Rworthy

Remember most drinking cups are 16-20 ounces. 292 / 2 = 146 ounces. If you're drinking out of a 20 ounce glass, that's only 7.3 glasses per day. You can drink that easily!

CraftyGirl4

Water is the essence of life, you can not have too much. The only time water has a small possibility of making you sick is if you are drinking tons of totally distilled water (only H's and O's). Most distilled water still has extras in it anyways so its very unlikely.

I regularly drink 20-30 cups a day and I still feel thirsty sometimes. So far today, I'm at 18 cups. Also remember 1 cup=8oz so if you drink a bottle of water, that can be 3 glasses right there, bam! I like 20oz mardis gras cups so every glass is 2.5cups.

You actually can have too much water. It's a condition called hyper-hydration/water intoxication. Most normal, active adults don't have a concern though. Nearly all deaths related to water intoxication in normal individuals have resulted either from water drinking contests in which individuals attempt to consume large amounts of water, or long bouts of intensive exercise during which electrolytes are not properly replenished, yet excessive amounts of fluid are still consumed

infamousmk

I'm at 16 8oz. cups of water already today and I haven't even worked out. I go to the bathroom once ever 2.5 hours or so. Some people (me) need lots and lots of water, and our bodies adjust to the intake. I typically drink about 24oz of water without even thinking twice. Next thing I know my cup is empty again!


Start small and built your way up to what is right for your body. Most important thing is to test it out and find what works best for you.

killagb

For the science loving nay sayers:

Feel Fuller
According to the Mayo Clinic, foods that are low in energy density make individuals feel as full as foods that are higher. For example, a piece of cake will take up the same physical space as a stack of celery, and both foods will occupy the same amount of space in the stomach. Because of the high water content of celery, however, it has far fewer calories than cake. Fruits and vegetables in general tend to have a lower energy density because they contain more water. A grapefruit, states the Mayo Clinic, is made up of 90 percent water, and half a grapefruit only contains 38 calories. Sticking to foods with high water content, like carrots, which contain 88 percent water, is a better way to control hunger than limiting portions of foods that contain lower water content.

Metabolic Benefits
In a study published by Obesity Magazine, 48 middle-aged men and women were divided into two groups of 24. Researchers assigned both groups a diet in which their calories were restricted, but only one group was instructed to consume 16 ounces of water before eating every meal. The individuals in the group drinking the water lost 44 percent more weight overall than the group that was not drinking water before each meal. Because both groups were eating the same calorie-restricted diet, the water group's additional weight loss may lead to more information about the metabolic effects of water and whether or not speeding of the metabolic rate occurs when drinking water before a meal.

hilhall822

I teach, so I can leave the room to pee every 1/2 hour- I usually drink coffee in the morning, tea at lunch and start drinking water at the last half of my last class, and pound it from there (I hit the gym after work, too). I've tried drinking a lot of water throughout the day in the summer but my body (or bladder?) doesn't seem to adjust.

jtbaddison

For the science loving nay sayers:

Feel Fuller
According to the Mayo Clinic, foods that are low in energy density make individuals feel as full as foods that are higher. For example, a piece of cake will take up the same physical space as a stack of celery, and both foods will occupy the same amount of space in the stomach. Because of the high water content of celery, however, it has far fewer calories than cake. Fruits and vegetables in general tend to have a lower energy density because they contain more water. A grapefruit, states the Mayo Clinic, is made up of 90 percent water, and half a grapefruit only contains 38 calories. Sticking to foods with high water content, like carrots, which contain 88 percent water, is a better way to control hunger than limiting portions of foods that contain lower water content.

Metabolic Benefits
In a study published by Obesity Magazine, 48 middle-aged men and women were divided into two groups of 24. Researchers assigned both groups a diet in which their calories were restricted, but only one group was instructed to consume 16 ounces of water before eating every meal. The individuals in the group drinking the water lost 44 percent more weight overall than the group that was not drinking water before each meal. Because both groups were eating the same calorie-restricted diet, the water group's additional weight loss may lead to more information about the metabolic effects of water and whether or not speeding of the metabolic rate occurs when drinking water before a meal.

Not to start a war here, but your first point is to food with high water content--not 8+ cups of water a day.

In the second study, we can't simply surmise that water caused people to lose weight. For instance, what if the others were drinking sugary soft drinks, juice or sugary sports drinks like gatorade (a common problem with obese folks) instead of water. In that case, the water did not cause the weight loss, rather skipping sugary soft drinks do.

I would like to see a medical study that conclusively states that drinking 8+ cups of water a day has benefits. I haven't seen it yet. I have nothing against water. I'm just not convinced.

_GlaDOS_

For the science loving nay sayers:

Feel Fuller
According to the Mayo Clinic, foods that are low in energy density make individuals feel as full as foods that are higher. For example, a piece of cake will take up the same physical space as a stack of celery, and both foods will occupy the same amount of space in the stomach. Because of the high water content of celery, however, it has far fewer calories than cake. Fruits and vegetables in general tend to have a lower energy density because they contain more water. A grapefruit, states the Mayo Clinic, is made up of 90 percent water, and half a grapefruit only contains 38 calories. Sticking to foods with high water content, like carrots, which contain 88 percent water, is a better way to control hunger than limiting portions of foods that contain lower water content.

Metabolic Benefits
In a study published by Obesity Magazine, 48 middle-aged men and women were divided into two groups of 24. Researchers assigned both groups a diet in which their calories were restricted, but only one group was instructed to consume 16 ounces of water before eating every meal. The individuals in the group drinking the water lost 44 percent more weight overall than the group that was not drinking water before each meal. Because both groups were eating the same calorie-restricted diet, the water group's additional weight loss may lead to more information about the metabolic effects of water and whether or not speeding of the metabolic rate occurs when drinking water before a meal.

Your first paragraph has nothing to do with drinking water.

The second study (here: http://www.nature.com/oby/journal/v18/n2/abs/oby2009235a.html), actually doesn't confirm that just drinking more water before a meal leads to more weight weight loss. In fact, those who drank more water pre-meal felt fuller, and therefore ended up eating less during their meal, which is likely what caused their weight loss.

So, in terms of weight loss, if drinking a ton of water may cause weight loss because water makes you feel full, and your goal really is only weight loss, then sure, by all means, drink a ton of water. But there just is no science in terms of the water itself causing weight loss or drinking more having any overall health benefits.

anacsitham5

Yes I have practiced that too. Really makes you stick to your diet when you know that as you lose it means less water to drink. My doctor said only water counted...not tea, ice tea, lemonade...just plain water. I have to keep a note pad by my desk so that I can count them out. I hate drinking water so much that I will drink two 12 oz glasses of water...I should say chug them while standing by the water cooler. I can't sip them. It has to be done and gone. Of course, the joy of it all....I pee it all out about 15 minutes later!

Qarol

"The Solution to Pollution is Dilution"

I drink a minimum of 1 full gallon of pure water per day...If I drink less, I start retaining water and I get a headache...It's good for you...Water has been replaced far too long by diet sodas, sugar free drink mixes and the like...Believe me, the more water you drink, the more your body will eventually crave it....Do yourself a favor and drink more water...*cheers*...

I heart this

deniseg31

That does sound like a lot of water. Yesterday I drank 14 glasses of water and yes I pee all the time but I think that now that I'm used to it if I don't drink at least 10 I feel yucky. I say do what your doctor recommends.

mamagooskie

I drink 16-20 glasses of water on regular days....upwards of 24-28 if I am highly active.

martalaurazayas

I wouldn't drink that much water. Too much water is bad for you. I tend to make sure my urine is some what clear and my mouth is never dry. That's how I measure how much water to drink.

cartern1

I go for 8 bare minimum after that I listen to my body.

For example, I just went to get a glass for my bedside. Took a sip and ended up having 3 pints because my body obviously needed it.

killagb

For the science loving nay sayers:

Feel Fuller
According to the Mayo Clinic, foods that are low in energy density make individuals feel as full as foods that are higher. For example, a piece of cake will take up the same physical space as a stack of celery, and both foods will occupy the same amount of space in the stomach. Because of the high water content of celery, however, it has far fewer calories than cake. Fruits and vegetables in general tend to have a lower energy density because they contain more water. A grapefruit, states the Mayo Clinic, is made up of 90 percent water, and half a grapefruit only contains 38 calories. Sticking to foods with high water content, like carrots, which contain 88 percent water, is a better way to control hunger than limiting portions of foods that contain lower water content.

Metabolic Benefits
In a study published by Obesity Magazine, 48 middle-aged men and women were divided into two groups of 24. Researchers assigned both groups a diet in which their calories were restricted, but only one group was instructed to consume 16 ounces of water before eating every meal. The individuals in the group drinking the water lost 44 percent more weight overall than the group that was not drinking water before each meal. Because both groups were eating the same calorie-restricted diet, the water group's additional weight loss may lead to more information about the metabolic effects of water and whether or not speeding of the metabolic rate occurs when drinking water before a meal.

Your first paragraph has nothing to do with drinking water.

The second study (here: http://www.nature.com/oby/journal/v18/n2/abs/oby2009235a.html), actually doesn't confirm that just drinking more water before a meal leads to more weight weight loss. In fact, those who drank more water pre-meal felt fuller, and therefore ended up eating less during their meal, which is likely what caused their weight loss.

So, in terms of weight loss, if drinking a ton of water may cause weight loss because water makes you feel full, and your goal really is only weight loss, then sure, by all means, drink a ton of water. But there just is no science in terms of the water itself causing weight loss or drinking more having any overall health benefits.

It actually has everything to do with drinking water. If you eat it or drink it, it's still water and still fills you up(not to mention it all goes the same place...). And um....weight loss, isn't that the goal of most people here?