How Much Water Should You Drink Every Day?

I get this question at least 2 to 3 times per week. The answer is a little different for each person, but most of us should likely drink more. The rule of 6 to 8 eight ounce glasses a day is really only a good estimate, but likely closest to correct. The real answer is that you should drink enough water so that your urine looks clear. If your urine is dark, that’s usually an indication that it’s concentrated and that you’re not consuming enough water or liquids. 

We get water from drinking as well as from the foods we eat. If you eat multiple servings of salad, veggies, and fruits, you will require less water. These healthy food items have a high percentage of water in their natural makeup. If you eat a large amount of meats and starches then the 6 to 8 glass rule is probably close to the correct amount for you. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages are not included in this total, and they actually cause dehydration. Caffeine and alcohol both act as natural diuretics and send neurologic signals to your brain and bladder to increase urination. If you exercise, you will need to consume even more water to make up for the loss of it from perspiration.

Drinking plenty of water is healthy for so many reasons (listed below), but it is also important to understand that you can actually drink too much water, though this is a rare occurrence. Water intoxication happens when people over ingest water. For this to happen, it would take a lot of effort i.e. drinking over a liter of water per hour for several hours. Too much water in your system can cause low sodium levels and neurologic changes. Even though this rarely happens, it is still important to remember.

Benefits of drinking water throughout the day:

1. Water acts as a natural appetite suppressant by filling your stomach before and after meals. It also can boost your metabolism. The last time I checked the label, water had 0 calories!

1. Water aids in filtering toxins and washing them away with other byproducts of the metabolism and waste. It maintains a natural homeostasis with essential electrolytes and nutrients then delivers them to our cells.

1. Our cells, organs and brain are made up of 66% water, and we need it to survive. Water acts as an energy source to all of our body’s essential functions.

1. Water can improve muscle and joint function. When you are dehydrated, your muscles and joints can cramp and ache. I have reviewed several medical articles and studies that point to decreased joint and back pain with those that stay hydrated throughout the day.

1. Water can prevent several other painful medical conditions such as gouty arthritis and formation of kidney stones.

1. Water is a natural skin moisturizer. Water balance can help to maintain a healthy complexion and help prevent dry skin.

1. Water can give you more energy and make you feel better. Many of us walk around a bit dehydrated. We rush to work, school, running errands, drink a cup of coffee and continue like this for several hours. Soon we begin to feel fatigued, and this may be due in part to dehydration. The next time this happens to you, remember to stop and drink a large glass of water. Even better, start the day hydrated, and you may just perk up and feel energized.

A good rule of thumb is to have at least 8 ounces of water before each meal and then at least 2 to 3 times throughout the day. This routine will keep you well hydrated and possibly prevent you from overeating at meals. As mentioned earlier, if you exercise then you will also need to replace that extra water lost through perspiration.

Click here to sign up to receive DocMatthew’s blog posts sent right to your inbox once a week!

http://docmatthew.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aba0188a0e&id=2220c6c988

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider.