How Much Water Should You Be Drinking?

It is seemingly common knowledge that all people are supposed to drink eight glasses of water every day.  Is this true?  Should we all be ingesting at least sixty four ounces of water daily?  

For starters, there is no hard and fast amount of water that every single person needs.  We all have different diets, different metabolisms, different body types, and different exercise habits.  All of these things play a large role in how much water needs to be taken in on a daily basis. 

For instance, if you are exercising frequently and sweating a lot, you will need more water than someone who is sitting behind a desk for eight hours a day.  And if you live in a dry climate (or blast the A/C 24 hours a day), you are likely to need more water than someone who lives in a wetter or more tropical region.

When you really want to be sure that you are taking in enough water every day, it can be a better idea to let your body guide you.  Drink a glass of water for each carbonated or caffeinated beverage you take in, but otherwise, let your thirst guide you.  If you feel thirsty, have a glass of water.  If your urine is dark in color, you are likely dehydrated as well.

Your body is designed to let you know when it is in need, and by paying attention to the clues it provides, you can easily tell how much water you need. If you dislike drinking plain water, invest in a Brita or PUR water filter, which can be installed in your tap or fridge water dispenser.  Or just keep a jug of water in the fridge with a squeeze of lemon juice or fruit flavoring, and pour yourself a glass whenever you feel thirsty.