Do we really need 8 - 8oz of water every day?

aaeros
aaeros Posts: 157
in Health and Weight Loss
Trying to chug down another 8oz before I leave work for the day, I wondered how much truth there is to drinking 8 - 8oz of water every day.

So of course what did I do? I google'd it! Some interesting information in the link below. What are you thoughts?



http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=eight-glasses-water-per-day&page=2
«13

Replies

  • MTBrob
    MTBrob Posts: 513 Member
    I drink 120oz of water a day ..... What?
  • TexasRattlesnake
    TexasRattlesnake Posts: 375 Member
    I drink 5-6 liters of water each day (170-200 ounces) because I'm thirsty all the time. But, I love being well hydrated... never have to haul water around with me while I'm out on cardio walks and runs!
  • jkcrawford
    jkcrawford Posts: 435 Member
    I drink tons of water everyday as this helps with your skin while you lose weight.
  • DivineRED1
    DivineRED1 Posts: 134 Member
    I shoot for 3 liters a day. I find that if I don't get at least 2 liters before I leave work then I have a headache.
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    Mark Sisson says no: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/8-glasses-of-water-a-day/
  • sunnie326
    sunnie326 Posts: 721 Member
    I have gotten to the point where I actually crave water. I think it makes a world of difference in how I feel when I drink more water.
  • amyLhuff
    amyLhuff Posts: 102
    I've heard for the most effective weight loss and detoxification you should drink half your body weight in oz. more if you drink caffeine.
  • LaurenLite
    LaurenLite Posts: 87
    Many say you only need six to eight, I find I NEED my eight or I feel sick. Sometimes I take in 10 of plain water and two of coffee. I think a lot has to do with your diet (you need more water if you're eating a lot of fiber) and exercise (if you're working out a lot, or sweating, you need more). But listen to your body, if you feel thirsty, reach for water. Don't force it down your throat because too much can throw your electrolytes off and make you ill.
  • clumsygermangurl
    clumsygermangurl Posts: 164
    I drink 5-6 liters of water each day (170-200 ounces) because I'm thirsty all the time. But, I love being well hydrated... never have to haul water around with me while I'm out on cardio walks and runs!

    That's alot of water!!
    I am lucky if I get 9-12 a day!!
  • vinsonh42
    vinsonh42 Posts: 125
    At least 3 liters a day for me though trying to up it to 150 oz.. Here is a link to see how much you should be drinking!

    http://nutrition.about.com/library/blwatercalculator.htm

    Someone once told me in hs for band camp that what you drink in the Am hydrates you for the afternoon, what you drink in the afternoon hydrates you in the evening, what you drink in the evening hydrates you in the am. I find this to be true for me. Helps a lot.
  • GorillaEsq
    GorillaEsq Posts: 2,198 Member
    I drink 1.5 gallons a day. And yes, I pee a lot.
  • TexasRattlesnake
    TexasRattlesnake Posts: 375 Member
    I should just stick to my typical answer in health and weight loss...

    Find what works for you and do it providing it isn't harmful and you personally don't have ill effects from it. 5-6 liters of water would be ridiculous for most people, I enjoy it... it works for me, I feel great and continue to lose weight. I have people on my friends list who hate water, don't drink it, and feel great and lose weight.
  • rdjvesey
    rdjvesey Posts: 5
    How does drinking other things like milk or juice factor in?
  • crazybigchick
    crazybigchick Posts: 245
    I notice a huge difference in my appetite when I drink 64 or more ounces. I eat waaaay less. (like 800 calories a day less) Today I have not had a drop of water; I have, however, eaten like 1000 too many calories!!!
  • TexasRattlesnake
    TexasRattlesnake Posts: 375 Member
    How does drinking other things like milk or juice factor in?

    Liquid calories, water has none... but will still help you stay hydrated.
  • xo_Sarah_xo
    xo_Sarah_xo Posts: 308 Member
    There is a point where it is TOO much water (that is NOT directed at the OP but at some of the responses). I just wanted to throw that out there as some people must not be aware of this.

    It's not a competition, it is a healthy lifestyle. Just sayin'......:smile:
  • greeneyed84
    greeneyed84 Posts: 427 Member
    I've read you should drink half of your body weight in ounces to stay properly hydrated.
  • xo_Sarah_xo
    xo_Sarah_xo Posts: 308 Member
    I've read you should drink half of your body weight in ounces to stay properly hydrated.

    Now THAT seems reasonable! :smile:
  • OliveCarsey
    OliveCarsey Posts: 78
    There is no "right" answer. Some people drink a lot of water, some people don't drink any plain water. Find what makes you feel best. I try to drink at least 12 cups of water a day and if I don't I feel sluggish- yet if I drink more than 18 I also feel sluggish.
  • TexasRattlesnake
    TexasRattlesnake Posts: 375 Member
    I've read you should drink half of your body weight in ounces to stay properly hydrated.

    If we could get that in beer where calories didn't count unless you exceeded that number... I'd tremble with excitement.
  • xXYanixX
    xXYanixX Posts: 13
    ugh!! i LOVE water but i hate the peeing ..... and i drink 3000 ml of water everyday... that's 6 bottle of water...
  • GorillaEsq
    GorillaEsq Posts: 2,198 Member
    I've read you should drink half of your body weight in ounces to stay properly hydrated.

    Now THAT seems reasonable! :smile:
    Hahaha... Her statement is accurate, though the grammatical construct of her sentence needs some work. She meant 1oz of water for every 2 pounds of weight.

    Taking her sentence at face value, I should be drinking 2160oz of water per day.

    I'd pee so much I'd look like the cupid fountain at the mall.
  • PixieGoddess
    PixieGoddess Posts: 1,833 Member
    Personally, water helps me with weight loss because it helps get things moving out of my body, if you catch my drift :wink:

    And yes, I've gotten to the point where I crave water as well! My mother and I were out and about this weekend, and when we got home we were both so thirsty! So she went and poured herself a giant glass of Diet Coke (she's an addict) and asked if I wanted the rest of my Cherry Coke (I'd bought a 20oz bottle the day before and had less than half of it with dinner) and I said no, I really do want water. It's the nectar of the gods when you're hot and thirsty! :drinker: (As a side note, my mother has recently been losing a lot of weight, and she drinks Diet Coke almost exclusively, so you can work it either way!)
  • runningfromzombies
    runningfromzombies Posts: 386 Member
    Forget 8, I need 16. Or more.

    Depends on the person, I think. I started drinking more and more water the higher my running mileage gets--I reckon that's what happens when you're a half-marathoner. That being said, lots of water has lots of benefits for anybody. (I think the only downside is having to pee...constantly.)
  • greeneyed84
    greeneyed84 Posts: 427 Member
    I've read you should drink half of your body weight in ounces to stay properly hydrated.

    Now THAT seems reasonable! :smile:
    Hahaha... Her statement is accurate, though the grammatical construct of her sentence needs some work. She meant 1oz of water for every 2 pounds of weight.

    Taking her sentence at face value, I should be drinking 2160oz of water per day.

    I'd pee so much I'd look like the cupid fountain at the mall.


    lol, yeah. That's what i meant by that. It made sense in my head!!
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I'm usually at 10-12 servings a day. It doesn't seem like a lot. I have a 16 oz glass nearby at all times, and refill when empty.
  • dawndw
    dawndw Posts: 203
    I drink drink drink my water, I do not drink soda or anything like that at all, so I love my water....it does help with budging the scales for me!!!
  • togden
    togden Posts: 324 Member
    i agreed you are suppose to drink half your body weight in water therefore i drink about 200 ounces a day HOWEVER too much water can dilute your body nutrients and so i say be careful. I personally have been admitted in the hospital due to low potassium which the doctor told me i specifically was intaking too much water.
  • bblich02
    bblich02 Posts: 57
    yes! it's so important to flush your body out and keep hydrated
  • wjniii
    wjniii Posts: 110 Member
    It's probably really good for you. I haven't done it yet. 4 - 8oz glasses is about my limit. Still losing weight.

Categories