How Much Water Do We Actually Need To Drink In A Day?

Almost everyone knows that water is crucial for our body, which also helps in maintaining decent health. So, are you drinking enough water? But before that, many people often ask the same question – “how much do we have to drink every day”? Though this question seems simple, there is no specific answer for it. 

As time goes on, numerous studies are revealing new and different water consumption recommendations. However, the individual daily water intake depends on several elements, such as your age, where you live, overall health, lifestyle, and much more.

Explaining How Much Water We Have To Drink In A Day 
First of all, water accounts for around 50% to 70% of your total body weight, and you need water to live. The National Institutes of Health report states that 60% of the typical adult human body consists of water. All this data proves that water indeed is essential for our survival. 

Many of us might be aware of the 8 glasses of water a day (around 1.9 liters) statement. But, as per the 2002 review of studies, there is no scientific proof to prove the above recommendation. Besides that, many other studies say that a healthy grown-up needs to drink far more than 8 glasses of water in a day. 

The National Health Service (NHS), United Kingdom, suggests that 6 to 8 glasses (1.9 liters) of water per day is sufficient for people living in temperate climates. They also say that people who live in hotter environments need to drink more than that. 

What about kids?
The daily water intake for kids and early teenagers is different from adults. Children have to drink around 6 to 8 cups of water in a day. While playing or training, it is suitable for kids to drink water (half cup to 2 cups) once in 15 to 20 minutes. Besides that, they need to consume plenty of fresh fruits and veggies that have high water content. 

Is there a difference between men and women?
According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, women need to drink 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of liquids every day, while men must drink around 15.5 cups (3.7 liters). Their suggestion also includes fluids in the form of water, food, and other drinks. A survey shows that about 20% of everyday water intake comes from food and the remaining from different fluids. 

The above daily water intake recommendation is suitable for average adults. However, some people may have to drink more water because of a few additional factors. These factors include the location you live, temperature or season, total weight, overall health condition, daily diet, amount of physical exercise, and surrounding environment. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need to drink more water than average to meet their hydration levels. 

Is there too much?
Another report from the National Academies of Sciences says, “a wide range of healthy people meet their sufficient daily water intake by drinking water whenever they are thirsty.” Make sure not to drink water in excessive quantities because it can be dangerous. If your kidneys could not remove the extra water, there is a risk that you might suffer “hyponatremia.” This condition makes the blood diluted, which increases the sodium content, and finally causes swelling. 

Bottom Line 
The fact is, there is no particular formula to remain hydrated. The amount of water you have to drink in a day depends on your weight, age, overall health, total exercise, and sometimes even the location you live in. Hence, make sure to drink water that is enough to keep yourself hydrated.