How Much Water Should You Drink Every Day

How much water should you drink every day?

This indeed is one of the most commonly asked questions when we discuss water in terms of health benefits.

Let me just start by saying that we are 60% water. So, I think from this statement we can conclude that water is extremely essential for us. Every single cell of our body contains a huge amount of H2O, that enable them to function normally. Proper hydration is essential for their proper functioning.

We are aware that water is essential, and so if you are someone who cares about your health and want to add more water to your system, then this is a question that you must have asked yourself at some point that how much water should you drink in order to maintain hydration level that will maintain and improve your bodily functions, because it's good to know what your goal is, in order to perform well. Right?

Let me just quickly add in here that I am taking a 30 days water challenge, in which I decided that I would drink at least 8 glasses of water for the next 30 days, and I am taking the opportunity here to bring about awareness about water.

Although I started with 8 glasses, I have now modified my daily intake based on a different calculation method, using which you can calculate your water intake which is more appropriate for you.

Today I'm going to share that method of water requirement calculation that I have used to modify my intake. But before that, I would like to discuss a few concepts regarding water and water consumption, because while researching I found some information that I think was not 100% right, and I would like to address those things here first.

The 8X8 Rule

I'm pretty sure you must have heard about this rule. You might not know that this rule is called the 8X8 rule, but I think you must have heard people saying that you should drink 8 glasses of water every day.

This rule of drinking 8 glasses of water every day is the 8X8 rule.

It's the oldest and the most famous rule when it comes to defining how much water should be drinking every day.

However, when I was, in fact, trying to find a better way to calculate my water requirements, I noticed a lot of articles claimed this rule to be a myth. And yes, water intake indeed depends from person to person, and even different situations, like exercise, high temperature etc.

But I personally don't think that it's a "myth".

Let me explain.

Normally, our body excretes around 2300 ml of water from our system every day through various means like urine, sweat, and even breathing, etc.

2300ml is equal to 2.3 liters (around 78 ounces). Let's just take it as 2 liters.

So you should consume the same amount of water to replace the lost amount.

Now, a standard glass measures 250 ml. So, 4 glasses will be equal to 1 liter, and 8 glasses would be equal to 2 liters.

So, I believe this is how this 8X8 rule came into existence, that you should drink 8 glasses of water (i.e 2 liters) and so this rule is definitely not a "myth".

Although it's not absolute, you can say that it's a baseline rule; the minimum amount you should be drinking.

However, as I mentioned before, water intake really depends from person to person. For example, the body-water content of obese people is usually less than what normally is (meaning, for an obese person total body water content is not 60%, but less). So, an obese person will have to drink more amount of water to compensate that deficit.

Similarly, if you are someone who exercises a lot, you will sweat more and therefore you will need to increase your water intake accordingly. You will also need to modify your intake of water if you have vomiting, diarrhea, and also, during hot days.

Overall, it really depends on how much water you are losing per day.

But on an average, you can follow the 8X8 rule, especially if you are someone who is just getting started in this journey, or if you are someone who "don't like to drink water". Don't get me wrong but I have literally seen people complaining that they don't like drinking water. I mean, LOL. How can someone "hate" drinking water? What is there to hate? It doesn't taste bad. In fact, it does feel refreshing. But anyway, I'm not judging (says after judging) but if you are one of those people then this rule is a great place to start.

What Is the Role of Thirst?

Thirst is a clever way that your body has designed to remind you to drink water when you forget to do so. Thirst is your body screaming DRINK SOME WATER, NOW!

I noticed, a lot of people also suggest that since water requirement is different for every individual, you should drink water when you are thirsty.

Now here's the problem with the statement "drink when you are thirsty and you will be fine": The thing is thirst mechanism comes into play when you are already into dehydration. It is the first sign of dehydration. So, if you only drink water when you are thirsty, you are keeping your body dehydrated most of the time. Which is not good! Our body does has a great system to prevent serious dehydration, but our job is to prevent dehydration.

Ideally, you should keep sipping a little amount of water every now and then, irrespective of the fact whether you are thirsty or not.

How to Calculate How Much Water to Drink

Okay, so, first of all, let me mention again that there is no "standard" recommendation for the amount of daily water intake since no single formula fits for all.

The following method uses water intake calculation based on weight, and therefore is better than the usual  8-glass a day rule.

Use the following method to calculate your daily intake range, and then add an additional amount depending on how much water you lose.

And no, there's no complicated formula, but a simple calculation. So relax!

Basically, your water intake should be half to 1 ounce per pound of your body weight.

For example, if you weigh 120 pounds, your daily intake should range from 60-120 ounces of water.

For easy reference, if you use liters and kilograms instead:

   ‣ 1 kg = 2.2 pounds
   ‣ 1 liter = 34 ounces

And there you have it! It's so simple. Calculate your daily requirement, and get started with the hydration mission!

Conclusion:

Water is important, whether you enjoy drinking water or not. You NEED it. And it's your responsibility that you make sure that you get the proper amount of hydration.

If you are just starting out on developing the habit of drinking more water then I recommend you start with the 8X8 rule and then gradually increase your water intake. Add more water depending upon how much water you are losing.

Water is an amazing natural medicine, that protects and heals your body. Make sure you take the necessary steps to stay hydrated.


If you do take part in 30-Days Water Challenge, let me know how it goes. You can find me on social media:

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

Are you all set to check your water intake? But have difficulty in making sure you get enough water? Well, find out how I make sure I get enough water everyday.

© Quirky Writes 2018