Do we need 8 glasses of water a day?

KyleB65
KyleB65 Posts: 1,196 Member
edited September 29 in Food and Nutrition
Just read the following regarding the drinking of 8 glasses of water per day.

Can't argue about any scientific studies as I do not know of any. What I can say from my experience is that I drink when I am thirsty and that for most days I hit the 8 glasses mark easily. On hot & humid days where I am working outside or I have a particularly intense workout I can add another 4 glasses +.

I also know from my experience that a few sips of water from the glass on my work desk helps me control any hunger pains and avoid any between meal munching.

So it works for me.

What about any one else out in the MFP universe?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/14/drinking-8-glasses-of-wat_n_899276.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009

Replies

  • caligirl2802
    caligirl2802 Posts: 232 Member
    I easily drink 8 glasses daily.... typically I drink about 12 glasses daily BEFORE the water I drink when working out. However I find on the weekend I often forget and maybe only drink about 4 glasses
  • ivansmomma
    ivansmomma Posts: 500
    My nephrologist (kidney doctor) told me it did not have to be all water. Yes, you are supposed to get liquids in daily, but it can be any liquid as long as it's not caffeinated or alcohol. He said it can also be foods that will turn to liquid, such as jello, ice cream (in moderation, of course lol!) When you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated, so taking sips at your desk, etc. is good. Take care.
  • pnieuw
    pnieuw Posts: 473
    I drink when I'm thirsty, and that rarely means 8 glasses a day. If I work out, or it is hot, maybe. I hit 6-8 glasses of fluid a day, including tea and milk. Water itself - 1/2 of that on average.

    I think the key is to do what works best for you. If it fights the hunger, keep it up!
  • fbmandy55
    fbmandy55 Posts: 5,263 Member
    I just recently started drinking water. I can easily drink 60-80 ounces a day but it does NOT help me with hunger. In fact, yesterday afternoon I had a granola bar at 3pm after a decent 12pm lunch and was sick to my stomach with hunger pains until I made dinner at 5:30. I think because of the water I had drank all day, I could barely manage to get down one whole wheat turkey taco until I was gorged. I will say it has made me feel better and my hair and skin looks great but the hunger control benefits are not working for me....
  • cha36jennings
    cha36jennings Posts: 99 Member
    I read an article in The Times Newspaper (UK) the other day regarding this. They state that it is a medical myth about drinking 8 glasses of water a day. As long as you stay hydrated (drinking anything that hydrates you) then you will not suffer any hydration ill effects.
    Obviously this does not take into account the effects of any additives etc that other types of fluid may have on you.

    I do wonder how many people have actually researched genuine scientific journals (not websites etc. ) to make their own opinion on the benefit of water. I know I haven't so I aim to drink about 4-6 a day.....just in case! lol
  • ClareB1974
    ClareB1974 Posts: 224 Member
    I drink quite a lot during the day, always have. I managed to drink 2 500ml cups of water overnight last night too as I kept waking up with a tickly throat. I only count the first 8 250ml cups of water. I've dropped coffee down to 2 mugs a day though, one about 10am and one about now (1.30/2.00pm). I had dropped it to one, but missed it too much as did it too quickly - I went from about 8 cups to 1 a day! I will drop it back to 1 soon though as I don't like 'depending' on it.
  • mea9
    mea9 Posts: 561 Member
    I was wondering too. I drink tones of herb tea in the day so there is no way I can get that much water. I'd drown.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I drink diluted Crystal Light or Propel mix in my water, and have been chugging about 16 glasses a day this week. I always have a bottle with me.
  • bry_all01
    bry_all01 Posts: 3,100 Member
    In starting MFP and eating better/cleaner, drinker more (8 glasses or more) was honestly (so far) my biggest challenge. I always had juice or a soda or an energy drink, something at meals before and would only drink water on occassion here and there. Now, though, as I learn and try more, I am indulding in far more water than I ever did before.

    There may be days where I am only at 6 glasses (20 oz bottles) and then there are days where I'm at 10+, but I have cut out the sodas completely and only occassionaly go for the energy drink or juice. I do have Mio for every once in a while, though there are no calories, etc. I can now proudly say that my main source of fluid these days is water. :happy:

    MFP has helped me tremendously already. If it is not just counting calories and knowing that I needed to increase my caloric intake for what I am doing, it is in the tips from other users. :wink:
  • Brownski860
    Brownski860 Posts: 361 Member
    i noticed since i upped my water to about 100 ounces a day.. the weight has been flying off me!!!
    I have a 32 ounce bottle at my desk and drink 3 of those before i leave the office for the day.
    It really does help!
  • jvdemuth
    jvdemuth Posts: 3
    Our personal trainer advised us to consume up to 1 gallon (128 oz.) of water a day. He advised that since our body is 70%+ water, we need to keep it hydrated. He said that water helps to flush fat cells from our bodies as we work out and eliminate waste, etc. I also had a chiropractor tell me that too little water can have adverse affects in the area of the spine (discs, etc.) with regard to hydration in those discs. He said in many people that have disc problems it can be related to not enough water intake. I also had a nurse tell me that drinking plenty of water helps with blood flow. She said that in her experience she can pick out the people that drink plenty of water from the ones that don't when she goes to draw blood. The veins are larger and easier to access in thise that are well hydrated and, conversely, in those that are not (or who drink a lot of soda's, alcohol, etc.) the veins are smaller and very difficult to work with. Just some thoughts and info to pass on.
  • kaaatielove
    kaaatielove Posts: 248 Member
    I recently purchased a 64oz water bottle from Kohl's & i easily drink it plus some throughout the day.
    I sip on it throughout the day and right before lunch i drink about 32 oz. It does help with satisfying my hunger sometimes. & i always drink between 32 and 64 oz during/ after my workouts. :)
    You definately should be drinking atleast 64 oz a day, especially during the summer months. Your body can get very dehydrated and cause you to go into kidney failure. Just saying..
  • Keefypoos
    Keefypoos Posts: 231 Member
    I read an article in The Times Newspaper (UK) the other day regarding this. They state that it is a medical myth about drinking 8 glasses of water a day. As long as you stay hydrated (drinking anything that hydrates you) then you will not suffer any hydration ill effects.
    Obviously this does not take into account the effects of any additives etc that other types of fluid may have on you.

    I do wonder how many people have actually researched genuine scientific journals (not websites etc. ) to make their own opinion on the benefit of water. I know I haven't so I aim to drink about 4-6 a day.....just in case! lol

    Good grief you don't really expect people to research things do you!

    :-)

    there is no medical evidence that you must drink 8 8*8oz of pure water a day except of course from those who wish to sell you it :-)

    it all counts except Alcohol
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    I remember a study carried out with identical twins. One drank as usual - no plain water, only when thirsty etc., probably about four drinks a day - and the other had the eight glasses as recommended of only pure water for a month. They registered no difference in skin condition, eye brightness, alertness, kidney function, weight, etc. etc. I'll see if I can find a write-up.
  • jvdemuth
    jvdemuth Posts: 3
    No you wouldn't. It's all in your head. Your body is about 70% water anyway. Just add a little more each day/week and gradually build up and move away from the other stuff. In pioneer days when all they had was water, they survived and were a lot healthier.
  • Keefypoos
    Keefypoos Posts: 231 Member
    I recently purchased a 64oz water bottle from Kohl's & i easily drink it plus some throughout the day.
    I sip on it throughout the day and right before lunch i drink about 32 oz. It does help with satisfying my hunger sometimes. & i always drink between 32 and 64 oz during/ after my workouts. :)
    You definately should be drinking atleast 64 oz a day, especially during the summer months. Your body can get very dehydrated and cause you to go into kidney failure. Just saying..

    and drinking too much water can kill you

    http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=strange-but-true-drinking-too-much-water-can-kill
  • HisBeloved65
    HisBeloved65 Posts: 186
    I have no trouble with water so I drink anywhere from 100-150 ounces of water every day. I can tell you that it makes a big difference in achieving your goals!
  • kaaatielove
    kaaatielove Posts: 248 Member
    I recently purchased a 64oz water bottle from Kohl's & i easily drink it plus some throughout the day.
    I sip on it throughout the day and right before lunch i drink about 32 oz. It does help with satisfying my hunger sometimes. & i always drink between 32 and 64 oz during/ after my workouts. :)
    You definately should be drinking atleast 64 oz a day, especially during the summer months. Your body can get very dehydrated and cause you to go into kidney failure. Just saying..

    and drinking too much water can kill you

    http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=strange-but-true-drinking-too-much-water-can-kill
    \

    but honestly, how many people drink like that on a regular basis. of course you can go into chf and your heart can quit pumping like that of the girl in the water drinking contest.. but im sure noone on here drinks until they cant move. it's all common sense. drink if youre thirsty, if you feel youve had enough then quit.
  • jiggs31
    jiggs31 Posts: 117
    In the past I was always rubbish at drinking enough water every day, My skin would dry up and feel tight, I would eat when I thought it was hunger when in fact I was just thirsty. I'd even go dizzy and get headaches as I was dehydrated. I could go a whole day without actually drinking any water at all. I craved watery foods which was a bit of a clue....for some stupid reason I just ignored it.

    Now I am keeping track of everything that I eat and drink it has helped enormously. At work I have a half pint glass on my desk and when it's empty I fill it again. I find I drink most of my water during working hours and about 8 glasses is about right for me, a few more on a spinning day.

    My skin looks so much better, headaches have gone, I don't snack as much as I drink first in case it isn't hunger.
    It's worked wonders for me but I guess it depends how little or how much you drank beforehand.
  • cha36jennings
    cha36jennings Posts: 99 Member

    Good grief you don't really expect people to research things do you!

    :-)

    HaHa.....You would think I would find the time to conduct genuine research (as I'm a scientist) :-)
  • jvdemuth
    jvdemuth Posts: 3
    Our personal trainer advised the same. Change the way you eat (manage your food is a good terminology). My caloric intake is around 2500/day (250g of carbs, 250g of protien, and 56g of fat) plus the water and regular (consistent) workouts. I have lost about 7 lbs. since we started with him about one month ago. Feels great to drive past most of the fast food places. Planning for our futures by investing in our health now. It is a little pricy at times to eat healthier but the cost will be much greater if we end up in the hospital because we didn't take better care in advance. As they say, and ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".
  • 27strange
    27strange Posts: 837 Member
    I easily reach 8 cups a day, even on "off" days. Typically I drink 12-16 cups a day. I drink water from 16oz bottles so 2 cups per bottle. This is my normal watering routine:

    2 cups after morning workout
    2cups with breakfast
    2 cups throughout morning
    2 cups with lunch
    2 cups throughout afternoon
    2-6 cups with evening workout (depending on heat, intensity, thirst)
    2 cups with dinner
    possibly another 2 cups in the evening if thirsty

    I am teaching myself to just drink water. Coffee I find I want to put too much unhealthy junk in it. I hate tea --- all types. Gatorades are too many calories. I hate crystal light type stuff, too bland and yuck. Soda (the real stuff) I love but am staying away from because it makes me feel yuck afterwards and is counterproductive. Lemonade, yum!, but no thank you. Fruit juices, again yum, but I'd much rather have the calories by way of eating fresh fruit. So for me the choice to grab another bottle of water is no biggie, I enjoy it!! If you are getting water through other means then you don't have to drink as much pure water, do what works for you, just try to get in those 8 cups!
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    but honestly, how many people drink like that on a regular basis. of course you can go into chf and your heart can quit pumping like that of the girl in the water drinking contest.. but im sure noone on here drinks until they cant move. it's all common sense. drink if youre thirsty, if you feel youve had enough then quit.
    Not under normal circumstances perhaps, but in race conditions it's very easy to do. I know three people who have collapsed or had a fit then gone into a coma through hyponatremia after a Marathon or ultra race as they drank loads of water and other drinks during and after.
  • joejccva71
    joejccva71 Posts: 2,985 Member
    I have been drinking 1 to 1.5 gallons of water everyday for almost 2 years now, and have had zero problems at all. I sweat alot, and use the bathroom alot, skin is very clear and feel great.
  • Keefypoos
    Keefypoos Posts: 231 Member
    Our personal trainer advised us to consume up to 1 gallon (128 oz.) of water a day. He advised that since our body is 70%+ water, we need to keep it hydrated. He said that water helps to flush fat cells from our bodies as we work out and eliminate waste, etc.

    cool so regardless of what I eat if I drink enough water it will flush away my obesity!

    once created fat cells are there till you die their contents are not flushed from our bodies, they are converted into energy which fuels our bodies 24 hours a day the ration of supply is the variant.
  • DollyPS
    DollyPS Posts: 28 Member
    I drink my 8 glasses a day in fact I can drink over the 2litres recommended in fact a fitness trainer I know says that's minimum for some one not exercising and should upped it to 4 litres when working out every day or even moving about normally.

    Oh and I hate water and have to have it diluted slightly but I do feel a lot better for it.
  • xxthoroughbred
    xxthoroughbred Posts: 346 Member
    I try hard to drink as much water as possible. It's all I drink, other than hot tea, but most days I can't stomach the eight 8 oz. glasses. I've physically made myself sick trying to do it in the past. Yesterday, I drank three 8 oz. glasses, went to the bathroom three times in about 45 minutes, and my urine was clear (over-hydrated). I just don't think it's possible for me to do 8 glasses, but I try!
This discussion has been closed.