Do you really need 8 cups a day??????

I would reallylove to hear the answer to this question as well. I struggle to drink 8 cups in fact I only manage about 6 a day.
I have seen some people drink like 3ltr a day and wonder if they feel water logged at all and wonder why when you only need 8????

You really don't need to open multiple threads for this.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/601225-8-cups-really

Really.

I know I posted it in the wrong one so lay off me!

I too have accidentally posted in a wrong thread once and got BLASTED for posting it in two so I could have it in the RIGHT category.. not fun lmao..

I know I feel better, I digest foods better, I keep from snacking, and my skin looks and feels great when I'm drinking 8+ glasses of water per day.

I don't have scientific proof, but in theory the more water you drink you'll feel fuller and eat less. And when I've logged everything I can always tell the stretches where I don't drink enough water because my weight doesn't budge

The human body is anywhere from 55% to 78% water depending on body size. A rule of thumb, 2/3 of your body consists of water, and it is the main component of the human body. Did you know that your tissues and organs are mainly made up of water? Here is the %:

•Muscle consists of 75% water
•Brain consists of 90% of water
•Bone consists of 22% of water
•Blood consists of 83% water

The functions of water in human body are vital. The water:

•Transports nutrients and oxygen into cells
•Moisturizes the air in lungs
•Helps with metabolism
•Protects our vital organ
•Helps our organs to absorb nutrients better
•Regulates body temperature
•Detoxifies
•Protects and moisturizes our joints

Every cell in your body needs water from head to toe. That is why it is so important to drink enough fluid. Take for example, brain consists of 90% water, if you do not supply enough water to your body, your brain cannot function well, and you will get headache or migraine. Hence, next time, if you feel fatigue and headache, it may be the sign of dehydration.




Harmful Effects and Symptoms of Dehydration
The Harmful Effects Result from Dehydration:
•Tiredness
•Migraine
•Constipation
•Muscle cramps
•Irregular blood pressure
•Kidney problems
•Dry skin
•20% dehydrated – Risk of death
Symptoms of Dehydration
Here are some of the symptoms that you need more water:
•Dark Urine – Dark Yellow or Orange in Color: Urine is generally pale yellow to clear when you have sufficient water intake. Dark color or strong smell indicates that you need to drink more water.
•Dry Skin: Skin is the largest body organ and requires its share of water.
•Thirst: Thirst is the most obvious sign that you're already dehydrated. It is always a good practice to drink more water when your are not thirsty, don’t wait until you're thirsty.
•Hunger: Most people mistake hunger for the indication to eat more, whereas in actual fact, they may be dehydrated. So before you have your meal, grab a glass of water.
•Fatigue: Water is a source of energy and gives you a boost in energy.




Top 11 Health Benefits of Drinking Water
You will be amazed of the benefits of drinking water as follow:



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.
2.Natural Remedy for Headache: Helps to relieve headache and back pains due to dehydration. Although many 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 increases 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 concentrated.
5.Better Exercise: Drinking water regulates your body temperature. That means you’ll feel more energetic when doing exercises. Water also 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. In another words one of the benefits of drinking water is that it can improve your immune system.
9.Relieves Fatigue: Water is used by the body to help flush out toxins and waste products from the body. If your body lacks water, your heart, for instance, needs 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 will 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.

Can you see the importance of water to your body after understanding the above benefits of drinking water?




Here is the article link : http://www.mangosteen-natural-remedies.com/benefits-of-drinking-water.html

I feel a lot better since I'm drinking 80oz or more of water...

You're missing the fact that dehydration isn't the only reason to drink water. One example is that if you eat a high fiber diet, you need water to help the fiber do its job and prevent constipation.

Here are two websites.
I'm not saying I disagree with you, more water works for me.....I drink when I'm thirsty, which is quite often.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283

http://www.healthiertalk.com/do-you-really-need-8-glasses-water-day-0247

I would check these out but I have to go pee!

HAHAHAHAHAHA

I don't track my water to or try to drink X cups.
I get it in me when I need it.
For instance
- When I'm thirsty (preferably before this happens)
- After work outs, especially cardio bombs or gassers
- During workouts (strength)
- When my pee is yellow or weak streamed. (too late)
- During meals or if I drink alcohol
- During golf (I walk) I stay hydrated by refilling my bottle about every 3-5 holes. More so when hot, less so when cold. (it does help to prevent fatigue and loss of focus).
- When I feel like my lips are starting to dry out (I don't use chap stick).
- I can't spit
- I haven't peed in a while (like a few hours during the day).

I stop drinking water: (or signs that I drunk too much)
- During short duration cardio bombs or running (save it for after, I won't die).
- I get up to pee 3 times in one night (typically 0-1 ... but the 0 usually means I wake up needing relief)
- I drink alcohol
- When on golf course, I start acting like a dog; but adrenaline/nerves can also do this so you have to check your flow/color (yes, for advanced/competitive players, adrenalin will flow. For the other 99% of golfers, it doesn't or is not normal).
- When my pee is completely clear, is like a fire hose and need to go often. Usually accompanied by an ahhhhhhhhh!
- If I'm in danger of peeing my pants.

If achieving any of this means I drink 2 glasses or water or 22, it makes no difference to me. You can listen to your body and adjust.
Typically, if I get thirsty, then I've done a poor job of hydrating myself. If I start acting like a dog, then I've over done it. It's a balance act with no rules.

Note: i don't have any prostate issues.

I live in the high desert and am breastfeeding so I need about 2 gallons of liquid a day.

8c a day is RECOMMENDED to keep a person hydrated as well as aid in the digestion process. It can help with contributing to a feeling of fullness for some people. Try substitute water instead of other drinks during the day and only try soda type drinks with meals, this can be hard if you're a soda junkie like myself

I saw 1 of my many Dr.s the other day and i had a bottle of water with me,he said,"why do you have that water,are you thirsty?" and i told him i was trying to lose weight and drinking like 10 bottles a day.He started laughing and said "all that happens if you drink alot of water,is pee alot"
I never know what to believe but, i do love water so it's not a big deal for me but, shocked that 2 Dr's can have such different opinions.

A degree doesn't mean they know what they're doing. I can tell you that from having spent most of my childhood in ERs and in doctor offices because I have asthma and was prone to awful colds every time the temperature changed ten degrees. I've gone in with an asthma attack and been told I wasn't having one, I had fat in my lungs. Went in with a torn calf muscle, doctor took one look at me and told me get out. I had tonsil stones, one doctor told me I have to live with them forever and two others including an ENT tell me they have to come out. I won't even touch psychiatrists and psychologists.

That aside, why are we even having this discussion? Fact is, you drink to live. You're on here so obviously you want to drink healthy and water is healthy, provided your water system's not full of harmful stuff. If your natural thirst can't get you to 8 servings of an 8 oz glass of water a day, so be it. As long as you're listening to your body and not saying "well gee willikers I can drink nothing but coffee/beer/soda/generally unhealthy stuff that's a liquid and call it a day!" then you're fine. Me personally I have to drink a lot because I'm on medication that requires constant hydration, and two more meds that have a side effect of dry mouth. I could p*ss on someone's wedding gown and they wouldn't know it from water I drink that much. Not killing me and it's not killing those that can't get the "required 8" in either. Science be damned on that, just drink when you're thirsty and quit wondering about why. It's like asking why you have to eat when you're hungry and it just so happens you eat three times a day which might be the recommendation.

As nurses, we recommend 8 cups of fluids a day. Water comes from multiple sources. 8 cups is the norm, but if your sick, over heated, exercise a lot, then you may need more to keep your organs healthy. Here's one article from a reputable source to explain.

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/drinking-enough-water-topic-overview

I copied and pasted article: here it is:

Why is it important to drink enough water?
Water keeps every part of your body working properly. It helps your body flush wastes and stay at the right temperature. It can help prevent kidney stones and constipation.

You lose water throughout the day-through your breath, sweat, urine, and bowel movements. If you live in a hot climate, you lose even more fluid.

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You need to replace this lost fluid to stay healthy. If you don’t get enough water, you could become dehydrated. If you get very dehydrated, your body no longer has enough fluid to get blood to your organs. This is dangerous.

Do you have to drink only water to stay hydrated?
All liquids help you stay hydrated. Water is usually the best choice, because it’s free (if you’re drinking tap water) and has no sugar or calories. But most healthy people can get enough fluid through the beverages they consume every day. These can include water, fruit juices, coffee, sodas, iced tea, and other drinks.

Experts say that it's not true that beverages that have caffeine-such as coffee, tea, and cola drinks-always dehydrate you. Healthy people who consume moderate amounts of caffeine don't lose more fluid than people who don't have any caffeine.1 A moderate amount of caffeine is about 200 to 300 milligrams a day. That's about two to four 8-ounce cups of coffee.

You also get water through food. Some fruits and vegetables contain a lot of water, such as watermelon and lettuce.

How much water do you need to drink every day?
A common recommendation is to drink six or eight 8-ounce glasses of water or other fluid every day. But some adults may need more or less, depending on how healthy they are, how much they exercise, and how hot and dry the climate is.

You may sometimes need to drink more water than usual if you:

Exercise intensely, especially in a hot climate.
Are sick, such as with the flu, or have a health problem like a urinary tract infection.
Are pregnant or breast-feeding.
How can you tell if you are drinking enough water?
The easiest way to know if you’re drinking enough fluid is to look at the color of your urine. If you’re drinking enough water, your urine will be clear or pale yellow. A darker yellow means you aren’t drinking enough water.

People who drink enough water also usually have soft bowel movements. Hard bowel movements or constipation can be signs that you aren’t getting enough water.

If you have any health problems, always talk to your doctor before increasing the amount of water you drink. You may need to limit your fluids if you have certain health concerns, such as kidney problems or heart failure.

t can be dangerous to drink too much water. But it’s rare that anyone drinks too much water. The risk is highest for people who do endurance sports, such as running marathons.

Too much water is dangerous because it would dilute the amount of sodium in your body. This imbalance could cause serious problems, such as confusion, seizures, and coma.

Experts advise athletes who do intense activity to drink a sports drink that contains sodium, other electrolytes, and some sugar. Most people don’t need sports drinks if they are exercising for less than an hour in moderate temperatures. Plain water is fine.

But experts do recommend sports drinks if you’re playing sports or doing other intense physical activity for more than an hour.

What are some easy ways to get more water during the day?
Drink a glass of water when you get up in the morning, before you have coffee or tea.
Keep a cup or water bottle by your desk at work. Take several sips of water each hour. If you don’t have a desk job, carry a container of water with you, and take sips throughout the day.
Take a sip whenever you pass a drinking fountain.
If you get tired of drinking plain water, add a packet of sugarless flavoring to your water. Or put a slice of lemon or lime in plain or sparkling water.
Is bottled water better than tap water?
No. A lot of plain bottled water is just tap water that has been purified. It’s your choice how you want to drink water. If you like bubbly mineral water, drink that. If you like the idea of vitamins and electrolytes in your water, you can find several varieties of enhanced water at the store.

If you don’t like the taste of your tap water, or if you just want to be extra careful, you can purify tap water at home. Water filters are available in many stores.

I drink 2 gal/day. I feel great, my workouts have improved, and I repress my hunger. However, I do pee quite a lot.