Drinking water is essential for our health and wellbeing, but how much water should we drink? The answer to this question depends on several factors, including age, weight, gender, activity level, and climate. In this blog post, we'll explore how much water we should drink and why it's important.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that men should drink about 3.7 liters (125 ounces) of water per day, while women should drink about 2.7 liters (91 ounces) per day. However, this is a general guideline, and individual needs may vary.
Factors that can affect how much water we should drink include:
- Age: Children and older adults may have different water needs than young adults due to differences in body composition and activity levels.
- Weight: People who weigh more may need to drink more water to stay hydrated.
- Gender: Men generally have higher water needs than women due to differences in body size and muscle mass.
- Activity level: People who are physically active may need more water to replace fluids lost through sweating.
- Climate: People who live in hot and dry climates may need to drink more water to stay hydrated.
It's also important to note that other factors can affect our water needs, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and certain medical conditions.
Why do I need so much water you ask? Some of the more prominent health benefits of drinking more water, beautifully documented by Dr. Rangan Chattererjee in his book ‘The 4 Pillar Plan’, are:
- Fewer headaches
- Increased energy level
- Better bowel function
- Clear skin
- Fewer tummy aches
- Longer period of concentration
- Reduced cravings for sugar
- Regulate body temperature
- Transport nutrients and oxygen to cells
We know what you’re going to say. Everyone knows the benefits of consuming enough water but how do we keep track of it?
- Have two glasses of water when you wake up each morning
- If you’re hungry mid-morning or mid-afternoon, try having a glass of water instead of a snack
- Once every hour, get up from your desk and go to the water cooler
- Drink a glass of water 30 minutes before each meal
- Set an alarm thrice a day to remind you to drink water
- Try adding lemon or orange slices for taste
In addition to drinking plain water, we can also get water from other sources, such as fruits and vegetables, soups, and other beverages like tea and coffee. However, it's important to keep in mind that some beverages, such as sugary drinks and alcohol, can actually dehydrate the body and should be consumed in moderation.
In summary, individual needs may vary, so it's important to pay attention to our body's signals and adjust our water intake accordingly. By staying hydrated, we can improve our health and wellbeing and feel our best.
