Water is essential to good health, yet needs vary by individual. These guidelines can help ensure you drink enough fluids.By Mayoclinic.
How much water should you drink each day? It's a simple question with
no easy answers. Studies have produced varying recommendations over the
years, but in truth, your water needs depend on many factors, including
your health, how active you are and where you live.
Although no single formula fits everyone, knowing more about your
body's need for fluids will help you estimate how much water to drink
each day.
Health benefits of water
Water is your body's principal chemical component and makes up about
60 percent of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on
water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries
nutrients to your cells, and provides a moist environment for ear, nose
and throat tissues.
Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when
you don't have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions.
Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.
How much water do you need?
Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and
bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish
its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water.
So how much fluid does the average,a healthy adult need? The American Institute of Medicine determined that an
adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly about 13 cups (3 liters) of
total beverages a day. The AI for women is about 9 cups (2.2 liters) of
total beverages a day. This however, varies from people to people depending on whether they live on the temperate or tropic zones.
What about the advice to drink 8 glasses a day?
Everyone has heard the advice, "Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a
day." That's about 1.9 liters, which isn't that different from the
Institute of Medicine recommendations. Although the "8 by 8" rule isn't
supported by hard evidence, it remains popular because it's easy to
remember. Just keep in mind that the rule should be reframed as: "Drink
eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day," because all fluids count toward
the daily total.
