8 Glasses of Water per Day Is a Myth. Today We Will Look at How Much Water a Day We Should Actually Drink

Even an elementary school children know that we should drink water. Good hydration is essential for our health and general well-being. It is said that we should drink 8 glasses of water every day. However, recent research has proven that to be a myth.

As our body consists mainly of water, it does need it. Although theoretically we have all been taught to do it, in fact we often forget about it.

For years we have been told that eight glasses of water is our daily required intake. In reality it is not as simple as it seems, as there are several factors affecting how much water we should actually have.

According to the National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine (USA), in the first place we should not measure the liquid with glasses, but with particular volumes. Therefore the amount of water recommended for women is 2.6 liters while men need 3.6 liters.

Of course that also includes juice, tea or coffee. People with serious disease are naturally excluded from this norm. If you suffer from heart or kidney conditions, the amount of water for you has to be consulted with a physician.

Another important factor is our body weight. Here the heavier we are, the more water we need. It is estimated that for each kilo of our body we need 30 milliliters of water per day.

Some substances make us excrete water, for example salt, sugar and alcohol. If we consume them excessively, we should make sure that we provide our bodies with extra amount of water.

As we grow older, our ability to recognize thirst is also weaker. That is why elderly people are more likely to get dehydrated, and not only during hot periods.

A lot of people just won’t drink water as they find it rather tasteless. That is why dropping some fruit or mint leaves into the jug or bottle can do the trick. Not only will it give the water some flavor, but they will also increase its caloric value.