They say 8 Glasses of water a day but...

SLN11
SLN11 Posts: 210
edited September 26 in Food and Nutrition
Why, people may think this is a silly question but I would actually like to know

I do enjoy water and could easily drink water all day so its not like it bothers me but I have always wondered

What benefits it gives
Why 8 glasses
How much is too much

I would love to know

xx
«1

Replies

  • godroxmysox
    godroxmysox Posts: 1,491 Member
    bump

    I enjoy water, but I tend to not think about it and rarely get my 8 glasses in =( I am curious to know the benefits =)
  • SLN11
    SLN11 Posts: 210
    This is it sometimes I do struggle to get my 8 glasses in just for the fact it fills me right up and the constant need to visit the ladies room hahaha ! :)

    xx
  • LeonaB17
    LeonaB17 Posts: 304
    1.Lose weight: Drinking water helps you lose weight because it flushes down the by-products of fat breakdown. Drinking water reduces hunger, it’s an effective appetite suppressant so you’ll eat less. Plus, water has zero calories. Here are the further details on how to achieve fat loss by drinking water.
    2.Natural Remedy for Headache: Helps to relieve headache and back pains due to dehydration. Although there are many other reasons contribute to headache, dehydration is the common one.
    3.Look Younger with Healthier Skin: You’ll look younger when your skin is properly hydrated. Water helps to replenish skin tissues, moisturizes skin and increase skin elasticity.
    4.Better Productivity at Work: Your brain is mostly made up of water, thus drinking water helps you think better, be more alert and more concentrate.
    5.Better Exercise: Drinking water regulates your body temperature. You’ll feel more energetic when doing exercises and water helps to fuel your muscle.
    6.Helps in Digestion and Constipation: Drinking water raises your metabolism because it helps in digestion. Fiber and water goes hand in hand so that you can have your daily bowel movement.
    7.Less Cramps and Sprains: Proper hydration helps keep your joints and muscles lubricated, so you’ll less likely get cramps and sprains.
    8.Less Likely to Get Sick and Feel Healthy: Drinking plenty of water helps fight against flu and other ailments like kidney stones and heart attack. Water adds with lemon is used for ailments like respiratory disease, intestinal problems, rheumatism and arthritis etc. Another words one of the benefits of drinking water can improve our immune system. Follow this link for further information on how lemon water can improve your health.
    9.Relieves Fatigue: Water is used by the body to help flush out toxins and waste products from the body. If your body lacks of water, your heart, for instance, need to work harder to pump out the oxygenated blood to all cells, so are the rest of the vital organs, your organs will be exhausted and so are you.
    10.Good Mood: Your body feels very good and that’s why you feel happy.
    11.Reduce the Risk of Cancer: Related to the digestive system, some studies show that drinking a healthy amount of water may reduce the risks of bladder cancer and colon cancer. Water dilutes the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine and shortens the time in which they are in contact with bladder lining.


    (I will be the first to admit i dont drink enough AT ALL! But it is super good for you.)
  • glenna221
    glenna221 Posts: 46
    helps fight hunger - often if you are hungry you are probably dehydrated
    flushes out toxins
    really imporant if you are working out
    good for your skin
    water is better for your teeth than drinking coffee or soda or other "sugar free" beverages.
  • tabi26
    tabi26 Posts: 535 Member
    I'm not sure about alot of it, but the more I drink the more weight I lose. I still very rarely drink 8 full glasses a day though.

    Also, my SIL had a babysitter once who drank excessive amounts of water and her kidneys finally failed on her. The dr. said that she was drinking WAY TOO much water and her kidneys couldn't process that much everyday. She is now very sick and in need of a transplant. So there is such a thing as 'too much'.

    Listen to your body and it will let you know if you need more than 8 :)
  • smcclaycouffer
    smcclaycouffer Posts: 104 Member
    *bump*

    I hate water and struggle to drink my 8 cups a day
  • Sasha_Bear
    Sasha_Bear Posts: 625 Member
    Have you ever flushed a toilet without water? Unless it has been in an outhouse, you probably haven't. We have internal filtering and elimination systems that keep toxic substances from building up in our body. Water benefits every system of the body and for the sake of visualization, it flushes our human toilet (the bladder and colon), not to mention it hydrates our body and keeps our skin, hair and nails healthy. Keep in mind that your water intake should be over an entire day and not all at once. Drinking large amounts of water in a short period of time can result in water intoxication thereby flushing out necessary electrolytes. So yes, it is possible to drink too much water.
  • HaleyAlli
    HaleyAlli Posts: 911 Member
    I'm not sure about alot of it, but the more I drink the more weight I lose. I still very rarely drink 8 full glasses a day though.

    Also, my SIL had a babysitter once who drank excessive amounts of water and her kidneys finally failed on her. The dr. said that she was drinking WAY TOO much water and her kidneys couldn't process that much everyday. She is now very sick and in need of a transplant. So there is such a thing as 'too much'.

    Listen to your body and it will let you know if you need more than 8 :)

    Yikes, how much water did she drink???
  • Akaratel
    Akaratel Posts: 137 Member
    If you don't get enough water your body will retain water,.... i know it sounds silly but you need 8 glasses. Also flushing out the toxins is very true... when you get a massage, especially a full body massage you should drink lots and lots of water the rest of the day to keep them out :)
  • mom2boys
    mom2boys Posts: 60 Member
    1.Lose weight: Drinking water helps you lose weight because it flushes down the by-products of fat breakdown. Drinking water reduces hunger, it’s an effective appetite suppressant so you’ll eat less. Plus, water has zero calories. Here are the further details on how to achieve fat loss by drinking water.
    2.Natural Remedy for Headache: Helps to relieve headache and back pains due to dehydration. Although there are many other reasons contribute to headache, dehydration is the common one.
    3.Look Younger with Healthier Skin: You’ll look younger when your skin is properly hydrated. Water helps to replenish skin tissues, moisturizes skin and increase skin elasticity.
    4.Better Productivity at Work: Your brain is mostly made up of water, thus drinking water helps you think better, be more alert and more concentrate.
    5.Better Exercise: Drinking water regulates your body temperature. You’ll feel more energetic when doing exercises and water helps to fuel your muscle.
    6.Helps in Digestion and Constipation: Drinking water raises your metabolism because it helps in digestion. Fiber and water goes hand in hand so that you can have your daily bowel movement.
    7.Less Cramps and Sprains: Proper hydration helps keep your joints and muscles lubricated, so you’ll less likely get cramps and sprains.
    8.Less Likely to Get Sick and Feel Healthy: Drinking plenty of water helps fight against flu and other ailments like kidney stones and heart attack. Water adds with lemon is used for ailments like respiratory disease, intestinal problems, rheumatism and arthritis etc. Another words one of the benefits of drinking water can improve our immune system. Follow this link for further information on how lemon water can improve your health.
    9.Relieves Fatigue: Water is used by the body to help flush out toxins and waste products from the body. If your body lacks of water, your heart, for instance, need to work harder to pump out the oxygenated blood to all cells, so are the rest of the vital organs, your organs will be exhausted and so are you.
    10.Good Mood: Your body feels very good and that’s why you feel happy.
    11.Reduce the Risk of Cancer: Related to the digestive system, some studies show that drinking a healthy amount of water may reduce the risks of bladder cancer and colon cancer. Water dilutes the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine and shortens the time in which they are in contact with bladder lining.


    (I will be the first to admit i dont drink enough AT ALL! But it is super good for you.)

    VERY interesting! I knew some of this, but not all of it! Thanks for posting this!
  • melleyd
    melleyd Posts: 432 Member
    This is what I've heard. Not only does water flush out your system but if you don't get enough water, your liver has to do some work for your kidneys. Your liver metabolizes fat so if it's working for the kidneys, it's not as efficient as metabolizing fat. I'm no expert but I've heard this from professionals over the years.
  • Akaratel
    Akaratel Posts: 137 Member
    bump

    I enjoy water, but I tend to not think about it and rarely get my 8 glasses in =( I am curious to know the benefits =)

    It is hard to think of what you need in our busy lives, i carry a bottle of water with me everywhere,... when i am out i grab another
  • Emma1903
    Emma1903 Posts: 195
    Also how much is just a glass is it 250ml?
  • awikstrand
    awikstrand Posts: 3 Member
    Water really makes a difference. My goal is 60 oz of water a day and I can usually hit 50 oz easily. Try breaking it down into smaller goals throughout the day. I try for 20 oz before lunch, dinner and bed time. I admit that I fail most at the bedtime goal.

    Like others said, there are many reasons to drink the water. I was never a good water drinker. Hated the stuff! But I had to make some changes so soda and coffee are out. I do drink tea in the morning and need to compensate with double the water right after because caffeine leeches water from your system. I also like to recommend Vitamin Water Zero and Crystal Light. I couldn't do this without them.
  • Akaratel
    Akaratel Posts: 137 Member
    Water really makes a difference. My goal is 60 oz of water a day and I can usually hit 50 oz easily. Try breaking it down into smaller goals throughout the day. I try for 20 oz before lunch, dinner and bed time. I admit that I fail most at the bedtime goal.

    Like others said, there are many reasons to drink the water. I was never a good water drinker. Hated the stuff! But I had to make some changes so soda and coffee are out. I do drink tea in the morning and need to compensate with double the water right after because caffeine leeches water from your system. I also like to recommend Vitamin Water Zero and Crystal Light. I couldn't do this without them.

    I drink 4 -16 oz bottles a day - (there is your 8-8oz glasses) .......really isn't hard or take much thought for me because i just have it there.... plus you would be surprised how many times you are hungry,...becuase you are thirsty!
  • Ervie317
    Ervie317 Posts: 179 Member
    I try to drink my water in 32oz bottles. It really helps me to get it all in. I just know I have to drink two of those a day at least, it is also easy because I am not continuously filling up the bottles.
  • vwbug86
    vwbug86 Posts: 283 Member
    Depending on how tall you are or how much you weigh effects how much water you should be drinking.

    A general rule is 1oz of water for ever 2lbs you weigh

    Also a good rule of thumb if you are nut sure if you are drinking enough is the color of your pee.

    Dark Yellow = not enough water
    Light Yellow = good amount
    Clear = too much water, you are just peeing water and nutrients out.
  • awikstrand
    awikstrand Posts: 3 Member
    Another tip: Get a water bottle with the oz printed on it. That way, when you refill the bottle before it is empty, you know how much you drank. If you are like me, you like water cold so you want to add ice cubes to the bottle all of the time. I never see the bottom of my water bottle.
  • reyna99
    reyna99 Posts: 489 Member
    What is too much water? I drink anywhere from 90-110 ounces a day...is that too much?
  • bcpie
    bcpie Posts: 89
    I feel terrible if I don't drink enough water, I must be the only one because my boyfriend hardly drinks any and he's fine. :p I get headaches, body aches, fatigue, ugh it's just the worst when I don't drink enough. I've always got my water bottle with me. I have no idea how much I drink a day and I think that the whole "8 glasses a day" thing was just created by doctors/nutritionist/whatever to make people drink more. You know, if you give a set idea of how much a person should have, they might be more likely to follow it.
  • Akaratel
    Akaratel Posts: 137 Member
    What is too much water? I drink anywhere from 90-110 ounces a day...is that too much?


    You are ok!

    It's Not How Much You Drink, It's How Fast You Drink It!

    The kidneys of a healthy adult can process fifteen liters of water a day! You are unlikely to suffer from water intoxication, even if you drink a lot of water, as long as you drink over time as opposed to intaking an enormous volume at one time. As a general guideline, most adults need about three quarts of fluid each day. Much of that water comes from food, so 8-12 eight ounce glasses a day is a common recommended intake. You may need more water if the weather is very warm or very dry, if you are exercising, or if you are taking certain medications. The bottom line is this: it's possible to drink too much water, but unless you are running a marathon or an infant, water intoxication is a very uncommon condition.
  • bcpie
    bcpie Posts: 89
    Also, too much water is where you drink so much you die. It can happen, google it. lol
  • MrsZMartin
    MrsZMartin Posts: 165 Member
    In honor of Earth Day, I just have to say that I hope people are using reusable water bottles, like those from Nalgene or Brita. They are BPA free, and really help me get all my water in, b/c each bottle holds at least 3 glasses. I fill mine up 3 times a day, and have no problem at all getting through them. And Brita just came out with one that has a built in filter, so that tap water can be filtered within the bottle (on my wish list!). That commercial about water bottles stretching around Earth freaks me out, and most disposable water bottles are not BPA free, not to mention the cost of drinking 4+ of these a day. Not to ramble, but water is important, and the quality reusable containers make it very easy to meet daily goals. :)
  • wildmamatiger
    wildmamatiger Posts: 37 Member
    Love, love, love this discussion. All of the benefits are amazing! I lose more weight when I drink enough water and feel so much better!

    I am a big supporter of Dr. Batman and his book "You're not sick, you're thirsty".

    Also, our body's thirst mechanism is so strong that many people mistake it for hunger. So, apparently we also aren't hungry but thirsty :)

    As for the too much water thing, it is a problem when large amounts are consumed over a short period of time. The publicized death was a result of a contest involving a person intentionally forcing a lot of water in a short amount of time. That is simply not what we are talking about here.

    No keg stands; just good 'ol fashioned water drinkin'
  • Improvised
    Improvised Posts: 925 Member
    I typically have about 12 glasses of water a day. Sometimes more, rarely less.
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    First, to answer the qusetion above, yes, a serving is 250 ml or 8 oz or 1 cup.

    Think of it the same as calories. You've got your BMR to show you how many calories you burn just by being a living breathing person who's you're particular size and gender. So you make sure you eat a certain amount of calories to keep your body functioning. Water is no different. We are using it in our bodies all the time for digestion, circulation, waste processing, etc and it needs to be replenished in order for all of the processes to continue working properly.

    Eight 8 oz servings a day is a good rule of thumb for everyone. Go by 1 oz per 2 pounds of your weight if you think you can drink a bit more.
  • 12by311
    12by311 Posts: 1,716 Member
    In honor of Earth Day, I just have to say that I hope people are using reusable water bottles, like those from Nalgene or Brita. They are BPA free, and really help me get all my water in, b/c each bottle holds at least 3 glasses. I fill mine up 3 times a day, and have no problem at all getting through them. And Brita just came out with one that has a built in filter, so that tap water can be filtered within the bottle (on my wish list!). That commercial about water bottles stretching around Earth freaks me out, and most disposable water bottles are not BPA free, not to mention the cost of drinking 4+ of these a day. Not to ramble, but water is important, and the quality reusable containers make it very easy to meet daily goals. :)

    My little buddy that I have with me at all times:

    6y34fq.jpg
  • crystal_sapphire
    crystal_sapphire Posts: 1,205 Member
    i drink 3-4 litres a day because i'm a water fiend. it would equal out to 12 to 16 cups
  • realme56
    realme56 Posts: 1,093 Member
    Opposite of getting your fluids:

    Dehydration
    Dehydration shows in your skin, causes constipation, can result in dizziness, headaches. Puts stress on your kidneys by not diluting waste in your body. Decreased energy, muscle cramps. Dry mouth and bad breath.

    Water is best but other fluids (not alcohol) can help as well
  • TourThePast
    TourThePast Posts: 1,753 Member
    Apparently the research this advice is based on never stated eight glasses of water a day per se - rather that volume was a suggestion of how much fluid intake an average person might need per day, in average weather, undertaking average activity. If you live somewhere hot, or exercise hard you'll need far more.

    Many foods, even "dry" seeming ones like chicken contain a lot of water. If you eat soup, that counts, so do tea and coffee. Yes I know they're mildly diuretic, but that's the point. You drink, you pee. :)

    The bottom line is that consuming enough fluid is extremely important - and if you get thirsty you're not drinking enough.
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