How Much Water Do YOU think You Need?

cPT_Helice

The answer may surprise you. So many people are under the belief that there is this magic number of 8 glasses of water a day and that it aids in weight loss. There is no evidence that either of these are true. It's important to always stay hydrated and you can do that with many drinks and even foods. But, going overboard with water intake only causes you to have to spend a heck of lot more time in the bathroom. In fact, people have died from TOO MUCH water - but that's a whole different topic and goes into electrolyte levels, etc.

Here's a good article on water/fluids and how to know how much to drink and the effect on exercise, performance, and what foods will help.
http://www.active.com/nutrition/Articles/15-Hydration-Facts-for-Athletes.htm?

shaycat

I was just thinking about this. Yesterday I drank more water than normal and all I think it did was cause me to spend most my day in the bathroom and even wake up several times at night to go.

SoDamnHungry

I just drink as much as my body seems to want. People tend to forget that fruits and veggies are full of juices that count towards your magic amount, anyway.

vschwoob

i dont force myself to drink a certian amount i just keep my 32 ounce cup filled with ice and water and sip on it all day. I usually dont drink juice for soda. I probally refill my cup 4 or 5 times a day. Seems to work good for me.

JessicaHoskins

My primary care provider/doctor & I both agree that you shouldn't exceed 64 Oz. (2 Litres) in a 24-hour period.

2fit4fat

it takes awhile for your body to get used to more water. i drink at least a gallon a day (more if i workout) you can drink too much water BUT it is very hard to do, your body is amazing and can use a lot of that water to help it function properly, its important to drink it throughout the day though not all at once (that is the easiest way to give yourself "too much" and its not even really too much if it was through the day but all at once its hard for your body to keep up)

anywho i reset my counter but i lost 10 lbs just from drinking more water when i started this journey last year. so i totally believe in it. my skin clears, im more regular, i have more energy, etc

McKristy

I no longer keep track, I'm at around 100 oz a day I would estimate, but the rule of thumb I've heard is half your body weight in ounces.

cPT_Helice

I just drink as much as my body seems to want. People tend to forget that fruits and veggies are full of juices that count towards your magic amount, anyway.

Fruits and veggies have a ton of water in them - most are mainly water. If you go o a very high fruit and veggie diet, you need very little extra water intake, in fact. if you are working out heavy, though, it's important to replenish both the fluid and sodium you lose sweating.

ScatteredThoughts

I drink when I am thirsty. 2 to 3 cups of water a day is usually enough for me, in combination with food and other sources. I rarely drink more than 6 cups of water.

Also, I saw that article mentioned in another thread. I think it does a good job of accurately describing our water needs.

vim_n_vigor

I have always had a lot of water daily. I need it. If I don't drink so much, I can really notice it, and I started well before all the advice for drinking it to lose weight. I guess I just need more than others, and I am ok with that.

NeshBeMe

I try to drink 8+ cups a day. Not so much for the weight loss part but for the sodium. I've recently been taken off my b/p meds and I don't want to have to go back to them. I drink lots of water to flush out some of the salt intake. I don't plan to give up seasoning my food, so water it is!

susanswan

SInce I have changed my diet to plant based I eat 90% wet food. Lots of fresh veggies and fruits. Eating a wet diet (no bread or crackers, and only a serving or less of grains, and little to no meat) means I don't need to drink as much water as before which was a chore. I have also eliminated all added salt from my food, so I don't need to flush the salt out. As a nurse I know I can tell how I'm doing hydration wise by the color of my pee. It is always very light and clear. I have a lot of soups, smoothies, and veggie stews for meals. If you pee is dark you are obviously not drinking enough water and if you are thirsty you are not drinking enough. I start the day with 2 cups of water with morning pills and drink maybe 2 more actual glasses of water minimum and usually. Just my experience and how I work it for me.

TourThePast

I live in a cool climate and eat a lot of vegetables, salads and soups, so need to drink far less than eight cups of water. Even roast chicken, which sounds very dry, contains 60% water. Obviously, if I'm exercising I drink more.

It amuses tremendously me when people are so determined that only pure water counts. What they think happens to their "pure" water when it hits their stomach and becomes churned in with their macerated food and digestive fluids, I dread to think! :bigsmile:

EDITED FOR TYPO

cPT_Helice

I live in a cool climate and eat a lot of vegetables, salads and soups, so need to drink far less than eight cups of water. Even roast chicken, which sounds very dry, contains 60% water. Obviously, if I'm exercising I drink more.

It amuses tremendously me when people are so determined that only pure water counts. What they think happens to their "pure" water when it hits their stomach and becomes churned in with their macerated food and digestive fluids, I dread to think! :bigsmile:

EDITED FOR TYPO

So true!

Alexstrasza

I drink when I'm thirsty. I have a water bottle I refill throughout the day. If I'm thirsty, I take a drink.

Most days I end up drinking about the equalivent of 12 8oz glasses a day.