It is common knowledge that drinking water is essential to maintaining good health. We hear it all the time; drink 8 glasses of water a day.

But is this advice universal and scientifically proven? What are the benefits of following this advice? In this article, we will explore the truth about drinking 8 glasses of water daily, and provide you with some evidence-based facts.

What does it mean to drink 8 glasses of water daily?

First of all, what does drinking 8 glasses of water a day actually mean?.

Some people interpret this advice as drinking 8 cups or 64 ounces (about 1.9 liters) of water daily, while others believe it means drinking that amount of fluid, which includes water, coffee, tea, and other beverages.

However, it’s important to note that there isn’t any scientific evidence to support these numbers.

In fact, how much water you need to drink depends on a variety of factors, including your age, gender, weight, level of physical activity, and the climate you live in.

What are the benefits of drinking water?

Water is essential to our body’s proper functioning. It helps with a variety of important bodily functions, including:.

Regulating body temperature
Transferring nutrients throughout the body
Removing waste from the body
Cushioning organs and tissues
Lubricating joints

Beyond these fundamental functions, drinking the appropriate amount of water may also offer various health benefits.

Some studies suggest that drinking water:

May improve physical performance during exercise
May alleviate constipation and improve digestive health
May help with weight maintenance
May reduce the risk of kidney stones
May help to prevent headaches
May improve skin hydration and appearance

Is 8 glasses of water a day scientifically proven?

Despite its popularity, the idea of drinking 8 glasses of water a day is not scientifically proven.

A report by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine states that most healthy people can meet their daily hydration needs by drinking when they are thirsty and by letting their bodies be their guide.

While the report recommends an average daily water intake of 91 ounces for women and 125 ounces for men, it stresses that the amount of water needed can vary significantly based on individual needs.

It’s important to note that staying hydrated is vital to overall health, and drinking water is the most efficient way to do so.

Drinking water can help replace fluids that are lost throughout the day due to sweating, breathing, and other physical activities.

How much water should you drink?

As we mentioned earlier, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how much water you should drink. It depends on various factors specific to the individual, such as their age, gender, weight, and physical activity level.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommend the following daily water intake:.

11.5 cups (2.7 liters) per day for women
15.5 cups (3.7 liters) per day for men

However, these are just general guidelines, and your needs may vary. A good rule of thumb is to drink water when you feel thirsty and to monitor the color of your urine.

Clear or light yellow urine usually indicates that you are adequately hydrated, whereas dark yellow or amber urine may be a sign that you need to drink more water.

What happens if you don’t drink enough water?

If you don’t drink enough water, you may become dehydrated. Dehydration occurs when your body doesn’t have enough water to perform its essential functions. Symptoms of dehydration may include:.

Thirst
Dry mouth, lips, and throat
Dark yellow or amber-colored urine
Weakness or fatigue
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Headaches
Dry skin
Constipation

Severe dehydration can be dangerous, especially in young children and older adults. If you experience symptoms of severe dehydration, such as rapid heartbeat, fever, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

Drinking water is essential to maintaining good health, but there is no universal formula for how much water you should drink. The idea of drinking 8 glasses of water daily is not scientifically-proven and may not apply to everyone.

It’s essential to drink water when you feel thirsty and monitor the color of your urine to ensure you are adequately hydrated. Staying hydrated is essential to avoid dehydration and its subsequent negative consequences.