How Much Water You Should Drink
Your body is approximately 70 percent water and needs replenishment to function properly. How much should you drink?
Your body’s approximately 70 percent water and needs replenishment to function properly. Water’s many roles include managing body temperature, transporting nutrients to and toxic waste away from cells, and protecting organs.
We know dehydration results in dire consequences, but are companies who sell bottled water and sports drinks playing on public worries to maximize their profits? Dr. Chris van Tulleken says yes, citing one case where a “major mineral water manufacturer” sponsored a study encouraging more water. Another study showed no performance difference for cyclists who remained dehydrated versus those who completely rehydrated.
Athletes, especially, are cautioned to “drink to thirst” to avoid diluting sodium to fatal levels by overhydrating. According to Dr. van Tulleken, “Like most things in life, there's a Goldilocks amount — not too little and not too much.”
While exact numbers will vary based on age, gender, and fitness level as well as fluctuate daily based on climate and activity level, conventional wisdom from many doctors and nutritional experts says you need half your body weight in ounces of filtered water per day. So if you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink around 75 ounces.
Your body’s approximately 70 percent water and needs replenishment to function properly. Water’s many roles include managing body temperature, transporting nutrients to and toxic waste away from cells, and protecting organs.
We know dehydration results in dire consequences, but are companies who sell bottled water and sports drinks playing on public worries to maximize their profits? Dr. Chris van Tulleken says yes, citing one case where a “major mineral water manufacturer” sponsored a study encouraging more water. Another study showed no performance difference for cyclists who remained dehydrated versus those who completely rehydrated.
Athletes, especially, are cautioned to “drink to thirst” to avoid diluting sodium to fatal levels by overhydrating. According to Dr. van Tulleken, “Like most things in life, there's a Goldilocks amount — not too little and not too much.”
While exact numbers will vary based on age, gender, and fitness level as well as fluctuate daily based on climate and activity level, conventional wisdom from many doctors and nutritional experts says you need half your body weight in ounces of filtered water per day. So if you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink around 75 ounces.