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Waterlogged: How Much Water Should You Drink?

By Zach Hunt

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Published: 23May2009
Word count: 629
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We?ve been hearing a lot about water lately. Every time we turn around there is another article about water.

I'm beginning to feel waterlogged with all the issues with water lately. Make sure you drink enough water. Don't drink too much water? So on and so forth.

Let's face it water is pretty important so sticking our heads in the sand about the issue is not really a viable option. We do need to pay attention and drink enough water for our bodies to function properly.

The 8 x 8 Rule

We are told to drink eight 8oz glasses of water a day to be healthy but is it true? Do we need that much water? If not, then how much do we really need? How much is too much? Since water is so important to good health I began a search to find out exactly how much water we need to be drinking and from what source.

I scoured the web searching for the most reliable sources I could find, the Institute of Medicine, the Mayo Clinic, WebMB and everyone agrees that proper water intake is highly important.

How Much Water Should You be Drinking?

The first question then is how much water should you be drinking? Water is for our bodies what oil and coolant is for a car. It keeps our systems lubricated and running smoothly.

Since our bodies are made up of 55%-65% water the 8x8 rule for water consumption sounds like sound advice. However, I found that there is no scientific evidence that backs up the 8x8 rule for water consumption. In fact no one really can even say where that even came from. So now we are left to look to other methods.

The human body loses about 1.5 to 2.5 liters of water throughout the day through perspiration, urination and exhalation and other bodily functions; water that it needs to replenish in order to function properly. The Institute of Medicine recommends that you consume 2 to 3 liters (approximately 8 to 13 cups) of water a day. All sources tend to agree also that the source of the fluid does not have to be water. The water you get through your food and other beverages does count toward your total water intake. So yes your morning coffee or tea does count!

We get about 20% of our water through our food depending on our diet. The more veggies you eat the less glasses of water you need to drink.

That leaves anywhere from 6 to 8 cups of liquid that one needs to consume in order to fulfill the body?s need for water. Of course there are other factors that come into play like over all health and activity level. You should increase the amount of water you drink if:

*you are pregnant or nursing

*you exercise

*have health conditions or illness

*live in an environment that draws more moisture from you

Drink When You are Thirsty? Not For the Physically Active.

Some articles claim to just drink when you get thirsty and that should keep you sufficiently hydrated. That is not necessarily true. Yes drink when you are thirsty but also before you get thirsty. Most experts agree that as you age your body's thirst mechanism is less accurate. Not to mention if you are an athlete or are working out regularly your body may be losing water at a faster rate than it is able to register; so by the time you feel thirsty your body is already beginning dehydration.

So what do you do if you are an athlete or are working out regularly? Do you wonder how much water should you be drinking if you are on a mission to lose weight? Do you feel waterlogged with all the confusing information about how much water to drink?

Zach Hunt is a Water in Spokane WA expert and the owner of Physzique, a personal fitness coaching company in Spokane, WA helping people to look and feel great. Go here: personal trainer Spokane for more info on these services and more great fitness tips.

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