Hydration Myths: How Much Water Do You Need?

Proper hydration is the way to go. But there are so many myths about how much water you should drink. Often, we need to figure out what to believe as there is no contradicting information on the internet. This makes it tough to know which are real.

Let’s bust a few of these common myths and explain clearly just how much water you really need for health and hydration.

Myth 1: You Need 8 Glasses of Water a Day

One of the most enduring myths about hydration concerns the requirement to drink 8 glasses of water a day. Although the rule sounds simple enough, it only applies sometimes. The need for your water intake varies with your weight, your level of activity, and where you live. For instance, if you are an athlete or live in a desert climate, you will need more fluids than a bedridden person. Drinking when you feel thirsty is better than sticking to a set number.

Myth 2: Coffee and Tea Dehydrate You

Most people consider drinks that contain caffeine, including coffee and tea, to remove fluid from the body through dehydration. Caffeine is a mild diuretic but not dehydration-causing. Thus, even if you drink a cup of coffee or tea, you are just replacing fluids that the liquid itself contains. In this manner, you help support your hydration needs. It is possible to moderate the amount of such beverages consumed in the context of an overall hydration plan. Now, have that morning coffee without the guilt of how it is said to be affecting your hydration status.

Myth 3: Clear Urine Suggests You Are Hydrated Adequately

Many people believe that clear urine is a sign of being well-hydrated. Not really. If your pee is pale yellow, you’re drinking enough. Clear pee may mean you drink a little too much. It’s even possible to overhydrate and dilute electrolytes that the body needs rather than thinking it doesn’t need them. Drink when you are thirsty. In other words, reasonably hydrated.

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How Much Water Should You Drink?

The number varies by individual, but most people say to drink approximately 2.7 liters (about 11 cups) in women and 3.7 liters (about 15 cups) in men daily of all liquids, including water, other drinks, and even water-containing foods, such as fruits and vegetables. When you get thirsty, your body will warn you of a need for more fluids. In addition, carrying a refillable bottle of water and drinking frequently during the day will contribute to maintaining hydrated levels.

Myth 4: Drinking Lots of Water Improves the Health of Your Skin

Drinking too much water for healthy, glowing skin is not going to help because staying hydrated actually does improve your health. Skin hydration mainly involves diet, skincare, and environment, not necessarily the amount of water taken in. Drinking enough water develops normal functioning of all body parts, but that does not translate into a cure for dryness.

Take Away

In short, proper hydration is the healthy key to life in a world full of rules, and yet it does not require one to be ultra-fit. Balancing fluids wisely requires understanding and not overthinking your body’s fluid requirements. Drink when you feel thirsty, listen to your body, and keep hydrated with the right drink mix.