It is often highly advised that people should drink eight glasses of water per day. However, it might actually be surprising to know that there is no scientific evidence behind this highly-claimed statement. This is why experts advise individuals to drink enough water based on their body weight, level of physical activity, and climate.
The Institute of Medicine (IoM) recommends drinking 2.7 liters of water a day for adult women and 3.7 liters for adult men. However, keep in mind that there will be instances when you need to drink more or less water. For one, if you live in an area where the climate is hot or you are required to perform physical activity, you should add 12 ounces of water to your daily intake every 30 minutes when performing a demanding activity.
Liz Josefsberg, a celebrity health coach and an author, said, “Aim for 100 of ounces of water per day, whether you are male or female. It is a simple number to remember and will adequately hydrate and be quite a challenge for most.”
Are You Hydrated Enough?
Dehydration can cause serious health conditions and annoying side effects, such as muscle cramps. If you feel like you are not consuming enough water, here are some signs to watch out for:
- Dry mouth
- Dark-colored urine
- Dizziness / headaches
- Lethargy / tiredness
On the other hand, being overly hydrated may lead to water intoxication, which mimics symptoms of exhaustion and heatstroke, such as:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
What Is a Proper Water Intake Goal?
It may be a bit confusing to get the right level of hydration, but keep in mind that there’s a higher chance that you’re dehydrated instead of over-hydrated. If you are not drinking enough water, there are many steps that can be taken.
For one, you can add fruits and herbs to your water to give it a kick. These additions can also help increase the flavor to the water if you’re looking for something a bit sweet. There are also many water monitoring apps today that remind you to drink your water. Additionally, there are other sources of water that you can opt for, such as watermelon and cucumber.
Conclusion
Although the general rule of thumb when drinking water is eight glasses per day, it’s actually not that ideal. This is because the amount of water you drink per day should be based on your weight, height, and the usual daily activities. According to experts, the amount of water consumption varies depending on your gender as well.
The thing is that it’s quite tricky to be overly-hydrated, so that’s something you really shouldn’t worry about. Drinking plenty of water is proven to have plenty of benefits, such as making you feel good and clearing up your skin. It will also help you get rid of toxins in the body. For this reason, make sure that you drink plenty of water every day. However, keep in mind that you can always go above the eight glasses per day rule, especially if you’re doing demanding physical activities. If you normally engage in strenuous activities several times a week, you should also remember to consult with your doctor.
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