Optimal daily water intake differs for everyone, but here’s how to check that you stay properly hydrated.
The amount of water you should drink daily is impacted by a multitude of both personal and external factors.
We caught up with health experts to better understand how to know how much water is right for you.
Jena Ardell/Getty Images
Here’s what they had to say.
Using awater filter pitcheris one way to keep track of your daily water intake.
However, you might be drinking the recommended amount and still find yourself feeling parched.
Therefore, staying adequately hydrated is important.
It might be time to drink some water.
What Happens When You Drink Too Much
It’s possible to drink too much water.
Hyponatremia can cause symptoms like nausea, headache, confusion, and, in severe cases, seizures.
Rarely, it can even be life-threatening.
Here are just a few of the things the right amount of H2O does for the body.
Without water, you might notice achier or stiffer joints, as well as limited mobility.
Supports Gut Health
Water transports nutrients through our bodies and helps with digestion.
It may also lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
This includes heart failure, stroke, lung disease, diabetes, and dementia.
Here are some simple ways to determine whether or not your body needs more water.
You may be dehydrated.
“Urinating every 90 minutes to two hours is normal.
“If your skin turgor snaps back quickly into place, you’re probably well hydrated.
If it takes time to return to its normal position, you may be dehydrated.”
Said another way: One of the benefits of drinking water is a tighter, more glowing complexion.
Other symptoms of dehydration include dizziness,brain fog, and fatigue, notes Sinatra.
you could also focus onconsuming foods with high water content.
Many fruits and vegetables are water-dense, making them an excellent source of hydration.
“Keep the salt low, but a little sodium is actually good for your hydration.”
But confirm to stick with water-rich ingredients like those mentioned above and avoid too much added salt or sugar.
The same goes for coffee.
“Coffee acts as a diuretic and can dehydrate you,” Sinatra says.
Alternating between water and alcoholic drinksending with wateris one of the best ways toprevent a hangover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Basing your water intake on your weight can be a good guideline.
Therefore, a gallon of water per day might be just right or too much for you.
The temperature of the water you drink does not significantly impact its hydration benefits.
Ultimately, the best temperature water is the one that encourages you drink enough of it!
Yes, carbonated water is hydrating.
Still, it’s a good alternative.
Hodges, M. “The Effects of Dehydration on Cognitive Functioning, Mood, and Physical Performance.
“The Corinthian: Vol.
13, Article 2.
Gupta, M. et al.
“Water Toxicity.“StatPearls.
“Fluid and Electrolyte Balance.”
2022 Jan 11;152(1):171-182.
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
“The Cognitive Benefits of Proper Hydration.”
Accessed June 6, 2024.
2018 Sep 20;8(3):88-96.
“Good hydration linked with longevity.”
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
2015;8:413-421. doi:10.2147/CCID.S86822
Body, R. et al.
“Is skin turgor reliable as a means of assessing hydration status in children?
“Emergency Medicine Journal.
Ahmad, R. “How Much Water Do You Need Each Day?”