Its not uncommon to stop and wonder, How much water should I drink?
But the question is: How much is enough?
I’m happy to report that you don’t have to do the guesswork anymore.
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First, lets talk about the benefits of water.
Yes, its obvious that consuming water keeps us alive, but what does it do specifically?
So, as you could imagine, water plays a major part in all bodily functions.
It helps remove waste through urine andsweat.
Water also regulates your body temperature, and it helps cushions your joints, theMayo Clinicexplains.
You’ve probably heard you’re supposed to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.
That’s almost enough to fill a two-liter bottlewhich even the mosttype-A peoplemay find daunting.
But that classic advice can be a little misleading.
But theres good news: They dont say you need todrinkall of that each day.
Here’s the deal.
Food and other liquids count toward your daily water intake.
“Your body absorbs water in foods just like it would liquids,” Levinson explains.
Manyfruits and vegetableshave high water content, the Mayo Clinic says.
Evensoupand popsicles count as fluids.
Some foods and beverages work against you, though.
So, whatever water you get from the coffee is likely balanced out by the extra peeing.
This means that you cant exactly count your nightly glass of red wine as a source of water.
In fact, its best to remember to stay hydrated with actual water while drinking alcohol.
Drinking more fluids will help dilute your system and get fluids moving regularly again.
So, how can you tell if you’re getting enough water?
It’s also important to make a conscious effort to drink more whenever you’re getting sweaty.
Along with food, water is the fuel that powers your workouts.
As you sweat, you’re literally losing water, and you have to replenish it as you go.
Yes, if you’re thirsty, your body’s telling you that you need more water.
But this also means you could already bedehydrated, Levinson explains.
For more tips, check out these22 easy ways to drink more water every day.
Another good way to determine your fluid status is by taking a peek inside the toilet after you pee.
“If your urine is light yellow, you’re probably getting enough fluids.
If it’s dark or smells strongly, you probably need more water,” Levinson says.
Some of the signs of dehydration are fairly obviousbut others aren’t.
If you’re thirsty, you should drink.
That’s a no-brainer.
But, for some folks, dehydration doesnt always include feeling thirsty.
There are a few other signs of dehydration that arent as obvious.
Cramping, muscle spasms, and generally feeling weak or fatigued can all be indications of dehydration.
Having bad breath can be a tip-off that you better sip some water.
In addition to the above, confusion and delirium can all be signs of severe dehydration, theMayo Clinicexplains.
If you have these symptoms, you should reach out to your doctor immediately.
In rare cases, you might also overhydrate.
(Your kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and fluids from the body, the Mayo Clinic explains.)
Signs include feeling nauseated, confused, run-down, and irritable.
Overhydration can also cause seizures and put you into a coma if its not caught in time.
Staying hydrated is great for all sorts of reasons, from preventing headaches to helping you crush your workouts.
That said, for some people, thirst andhunger cuesare easy to confuse.
Aside from that, you should aim to get enough water because it helps you feel greatend of story.
