In this Article
Intro
1. How Much Water Should I Drink?
2. How Much Water Should I Drink to Lose Weight?
3. How Much Water Do I Need If I’m Physically Active?
4. What Are Some Signs I’m Not Drinking Enough Water?
5. Why Is Water So Important?
6. Can I Drink Too Much Water?
7. Does Coffee, Tea, or Soda Replace the Amount of Water I Need?
The health benefits of drinking water – getting enough, that is – are tremendous. We are made up of approximately 60% water and it needs to be constantly replenished. But most of us don’t drink nearly enough water. I’ve asked friends and family members on occasion how much they drink. Some of them couldn’t even tell me that they drank a full glass of water a day!
Our diets are filled with sodas, coffees, teas and juices but we often ignore the importance of water every day. Since you are here, I’m taking that as a good sign! You more than likely have come to a realization that you probably aren’t consuming enough water and want to know how much you need. So in this article I will address these issues:
- How much water should I drink?
- How much water should I drink to lose weight?
- How much should water do I need if I am physically active?
- What are some signs I’m not drinking enough water?
- Why is water so important?
- Can I drink too much water?
- Can coffee, tea, or soda replace the amount of water I need?
1. How Much Water Should I Drink?
So how much water should you drink a day? You’ll find differing opinions on this question. Something you’ll commonly hear is drink 8 glasses a day. This is roughly 64 ounces a day. According to the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), on average you should drink 96 ounces of water per day. Others say you should drink a ratio of ounces for every pound you weigh – between .5 and .67 ounces for every pound you weigh. Therefore, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should drink between 80 and 107 ounces per day.
The above are two great springboards for jumping in to proper water intake. And more than likely you’re freaking out right now because you don’t get anywhere near this amount on a good day! Let’s put this in perspective:
- You weigh 160 pounds.
- You need on the low estimate 80 ounces of water per day.
- Bottle water you typically purchase is 16.9 ounces.
- You need to drink 5 waters bottles per day!
You do get water from food and other beverages, but this is also taking that into account. This is not an exact science because everyone is different and there are other factors such as medications you may be taking that can affect how much water you need or can safely consume. If you are really concerned, please talk to your doctor, dietitian or nutritionist. Remember, if you’re thirsty – drink more to keep from being dehydrated.
One other quick thing… If you live in a hot climate, you will need to drink even more water.
2. How Much Water Should I Drink to Lose Weight?
The NASM once again gives a standard of drinking an extra 8 ounces of water per every 25 pounds of weight you anticipate you need to lose. This is a good, healthy target to aim for. It helps to metabolize fat stores and is considered one of the best weight loss supplements you can ingest!
I know what you’re thinking. “I’m gonna have to pee all the time!” Yep, at first you will. I recommend not drinking all the needed water from the beginning, but slowly working up to it in a week or even two. Also, don’t drink an hour or two before bedtime to minimize having to get up during the nighttime.
By: David Simpson
