How Much Water Do You Really Need?

Are you constantly walking around with your water bottle struggling to drink eight glasses of water a day? Most of us know that staying hydrated is good for our bodies. However, does it really improve our health, make us lose weight, or improve performance?

Water, including flavored varieties, flushes out waste materials to detoxify the body–definitely an important function. Water also maintains blood volume, allowing the body to consume adequate oxygen to improve physical performance. Contrary to popular belief however, recent studies show that drinking eight glasses of water a day does not contribute to weight control. This can only be accomplished by eating less and moving more.

The recommendation to drink eight glasses per day is a general guideline that does not take individual needs into account such as body fat percentage, caloric needs, kidney function or how much a person sweats. Older adults, young children, athletes, and those who do physical work in hot climates are at the greatest risk for dehydration. As we age or when physical activity is extreme, the thirst mechanism that normally guides us may not work. When in engaging in a high level exercise or when working in hot climates, it is good to drink eight ounces of water every 20 minutes to avoid dehydration.

For the average person, the general recommendation of eight glasses per day is fine. Tap water is fine for fluid replenishment.

However, it is important to remember that alcoholic and caffeinated beverages only count for half sue to increased loss of fluid from them. Save the sugary sport drinks for endurance activities but flavored, low-calorie waters may make it easier to achieve those eight glasses per day. With the long days of summer upon us, it’s a good idea to keep toting you water bottle around to stay hydrated.

Paulette Lambert, R.D., C.D.E., is director of nutrition for California Health & Longevity Institute located within Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. With more than 25 years experience in private practice after an extensive clinical education, Paulette has wide-ranging expereince in clinical nutrition and the development of individualized dietary plans.

Organic Spa Magazine is a national consumer lifestyle magazine about bringing spa wisdom into the modern green lifestyle. For a free digital subscription, click here.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Angela N.

1:15PM PDT on Apr 23, 2012

Thank you so much :)

send a green star

aj E.

11:39AM PDT on Apr 22, 2012

spell check is not the same as proof-reading.

Kristina C.

1:15PM PST on Feb 22, 2012

Thank you - drinking water is really using ones comon sense. I always smile about the water-drinking-fever. The body tells us when it gets dehydrated and if we are listening - we should not have any problems.

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Gary C.

6:52PM PST on Dec 9, 2011

Thanklyou.....

Jennifer C.

4:07PM PST on Dec 8, 2011

Thanks for this great info.

J M A.

9:55AM PDT on Jul 9, 2011

SINCE OUR BODY IS MOSTLY WATER AND WE ARE EXPELLING IT ALL DAY & NIGHT, WE CERTAINLY DO NEED TO REPLENISH. I'M NOT SURPRISED BY THE GLASS EVERY 20 MINS DURING HIGH ENERGY TIMES! NOW THAT'S A GOAL! ALTHOUGH I HAVE BEEN DRINKING 8-10 GLASSES A DAY FOR ALMOST 20 YEARS, I HAVE DISCOVERED IN DRINKING GLASS AFTER GLASS, INSTANT PAIN REDUCTION. TRY IT! THANKS FOR THE GREAT ARTICLE ON WATER!

Alicia N.

10:32AM PDT on Jul 8, 2011

well noted with thanks

Kevin L.

12:25PM PDT on Sep 13, 2010

VIVO PLUS offers an outstanding value for ones total health program. Many consumers will experience immediate positive results with their first bottle. However, to fully achieve the revoluntionary benefits of VIVO PLUS one should drink one bottle per. READ more about why you only need ONE BOTTLE (16.9 oz) per day at www.enjoyvivoplus.com

Brigitte S.

3:59AM PDT on Aug 27, 2010

the amount of water you should drink, depens on what conditions you are in. In a colder climate you need less water then when you are out walking in the sun with a temp of 40 degrees celcius. So common sense is always a good advisor.
In averidge conditions, when you drink your dayly things like juice or coffee/thee then you don't need another 2 liters in water. Your food prevides also some water intake. In this case an additional liter of water used over the day will hydrate you enough. If you are a coffee lover, do as the real coffee drinkers in Italy drink a little glas (half a cup) of water with -or after- your coffee.

Diane W.

12:20AM PDT on Aug 27, 2010

Starting the day with 3 cups of water before coffee or tea really helps the rehydration of the body as well as waste elimination, and helps beautify the skin. I only drink 1 cup of coffee in the mornings, and water the rest of the day and night. I also believe it's better to drink more than 8 cups of water a day, getting closer to 2 litres per day. Thanks so much for the article.