It is often said that one should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

However, it has always been a topic of debate whether drinking 8 glasses of water a day is really necessary? The idea of drinking 8 glasses of water a day has been around for a long time, but is there any scientific evidence to back this up?.

What are the benefits of drinking water?

Before we go on to discussing the necessity of drinking 8 glasses of water a day, let us first understand the benefits that drinking water has to offer:.

1. Helps in maintaining body fluid balance

Drinking water helps in maintaining the balance of fluids in the body. Our body is made up of about 60% water and it is important to keep this balance to ensure that the organs function properly.

Water helps in regulating body temperature, aiding digestion, and carrying nutrients and oxygen to the cells.

2. Boosts performance during exercise

Drinking water during exercise helps in carrying oxygen to the muscles and also helps in regulating body temperature. When dehydrated, the body cannot perform at an optimal level, so drinking water can help improve athletic performance.

3. Prevents constipation

One of the most common causes of constipation is inadequate water intake. Drinking enough water helps in softening stools and promoting bowel movements, thereby preventing constipation.

4. Aids weight loss

Drinking water before and during meals helps in reducing appetite and promoting weight loss. Water has zero calories and can therefore be a good substitute for high-calorie drinks.

So, is drinking 8 glasses of water a day necessary?

There is no hard and fast rule about how much water one should drink in a day. The amount of water a person needs depends on various factors such as age, gender, body weight, climate, and activity level.

According to The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the adequate daily fluid intake for men is around 3.7 liters (125 ounces) and for women is around 2.7 liters (91 ounces).

It is important to note that the advice to drink 8 glasses of water a day is not based on scientific evidence. The origin of this advice is unclear, but it is believed to have first appeared in the 1940s.

However, it is still a popular belief and has become a part of our culture. While drinking water is important, it is also important to not force yourself to drink an excessive amount of water.

How much water should you drink in a day?

As mentioned earlier, the amount of water a person needs in a day depends on various factors. However, a good way to determine how much water you need is to follow the colour of your urine. If the urine is pale yellow, it means you are well hydrated.

If the urine is dark yellow, it means you are dehydrated and need to drink more water.

You can also calculate the amount of water you need based on your body weight. A general guideline is to drink about half an ounce to an ounce of water for every pound of body weight.

For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink around 75-150 ounces of water a day.

What are the risks of drinking too much water?

While it is important to stay hydrated, drinking an excessive amount of water can also be harmful. Overhydration can lead to a condition called hyponatremia, which is caused by low sodium levels in the blood.

Symptoms of hyponatremia include nausea, headache, confusion, seizures, and in severe cases, coma and death.

It is therefore important to drink water in moderation and not to force yourself to drink an excessive amount of water.

The bottom line

While drinking water is important for maintaining good health, it is not necessary to drink 8 glasses of water a day.

The amount of water a person needs depends on various factors, and a general guideline is to drink around half an ounce to an ounce of water for every pound of body weight. It is important to not force yourself to drink an excessive amount of water as this can be harmful.