How much water do you need to drink each day?
Do you get confused by all the different opinions on how much water you need to drink? Do you follow the 8 glasses a day suggestion?
Like most things, there are varying opinions on how much you need to drink to stay well hydrated and healthy. Can you assume that everyone needs to drink 8 glasses regardless of age or gender??
Of course not! Everyone is different and every body is different. There are so many factors that will influence how much water you need each day that you cannot apply the ‘one size fits all’ rule to a general population.
How hot is it, are you male or female, what is your activity level, how old are you, how well do you eat, do you eat fruit and vegetables, do you drink alcohol, coffee, tea, sugary drinks, hot drinks, cold drinks….. the list goes on and on.
You simply cannot apply the same rule to everyone that you MUST drink 8 glasses a day to be well hydrated.
I have come across a great article in the Sydney Morning Herald in their nutrition section. It weighs in with 5 experts giving their ideas on what is the recommended level of water intake necessary to stay well hydrated and healthy.
The experts are either medical or sports science experts, so there will be some value to their suggestions as they are based on good facts.
Like anything, read the article, educate yourself and form your own opinion based on your experience, not your neighbours or your best friend or your Auntie or your Mum!
What works for one person probably will not work for the next. Everyone’s needs are different, their situation is different and their daily needs will change each day. If your mouth is dry you are already getting dehydrated, so keep a bottle of water nearby and sip regularly. You will know when you have had enough!
The article appeared on the 17 April in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Here is the link:
There are some really good articles in this lifestyle section of the paper, so take the time to read a few and learn something new for the day.
cheers
Jane
