How Much Water Should You Be Drinking On a Daily Basis

If you want my straight answer to this question, then it would be that there is no predetermined quantity that suits each and every one of us.

Over the years, I have read many studies each claiming to present the undeniable truth. And what do you know, they all have contradictory results!

The reason why you can’t establish a standard for the optimal water intake resides in the fact that the mandatory quantity you should consume is highly dependent on numerous factors, including your current health, the climate in your region (humid, hot, cold, etc.), your activity levels, so on and so forth.

However, in this article I plan to help you learn how to estimate your body’s need for liquid with a certain degree of accuracy. But first of all, let’s find out why water is so important for us.

The functions of water and what happens in its absence

I would like to tell you once again, even though you have probably heard this a million times until now, that the chemical composition of the human body includes water in a proportion of approximately 60%.

This reminder was necessary in order to better understand that virtually all bodily function necessitate water.

Furthermore, this vital liquid is of critical importance in flushing out the various toxins that accumulate in organs like the liver, stomach or kidneys.

At the same time, moistening the soft tissues and of the ears, nose or throat as well as carrying the nutrient components from cell to cell complete the picture.

When the organism has an insufficient quantity of water because the exhausted supplies (through perspiration, urine, breathing, bowel movements, etc.) have not been replenished, all these processes will slow down and even cease completely.

This state is referred to as dehydration and you will experience unpleasant symptoms even in its mild form.

Now, without further ado, let’s find out what the Institute of Medicine has to say on the matter of how much water is necessary for a proper functioning of the organism.

Doctor, doctor, how much water should I drink?

Like I mentioned previously, numerous factors influence the optimal water consumption for each individual.

However, in optimal conditions, most doctors will agree that while an average male should consume approximately 3 liters on a daily basis, women’s bodies require a bit less to function, meaning 2.2 liters.

Now, I can practically hear you asking “How about the 8 glasses of 8 ounces rule?” I know, most of us grew up with this guideline and if you take a closer look at the recommendations made by the Institute of Medicine, you will notice that the 1.9 liters of water involved in the 8×8 guideline is not that different.

What most of us fail to realize that water enters our organisms from numerous sources. After all, you don’t only drink water during a day right?

You probably have a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of orange juice with your breakfast, a soda during lunch and a couple of beers at the bar with your friends in the evening. Well, more or less.

In addition to that, studies indicate that an astounding 20% of the total daily water intake originates from food, particularly veggies and fruits.

What the doctors mean by the 2.2/3 liters of water per day is that this is the quantity that should add up from all sources, on average of course.

But how can I adjust my water consumption according to my personal routine?

Well, as I mentioned in the start, there are numerous factors that can deplete your water reserves faster, the most important one being mild/intense physical activity.

Practicing sports that make you sweat a bit more than usual can be compensated by drinking approximately 400-600 milliliters more.

However, those who enjoy engaging in very soliciting sports should switch from tap water to the appropriate sports drink, because these beverage also replenish the sodium supplies lost by sweating.

Similar rules apply, irrespective of why your body is consuming water faster, whether it is from high-altitude related breathing or hot weather.

I would also like to mention the fact that during pregnancy, a woman’s body will require a bit more water for the optimal level of hydration, meaning 2.3 liters on average. While nursing, the mandatory water amount is about 3.1 liters on medium.