Is 8 cups enough water to drink so you stay hydrated? Why?

1. 77

   thefedorowsposted 9 years ago

   Is 8 cups enough water to drink so you stay hydrated? Why?
   
   Growing up I remember hearing the importance of drinking 8 cups a day.  But is that recommendation still valid?  How much is enough?  And, what can we do to make sure we are drinking enough (practical tips)?

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2. 57

   Snøwmanposted 9 years ago

   Nobody knows where that came from. There isn't one magic number that works for everyone. It depends on things like how active you are. As long as your pee is clear with some yellow in it, you're hydrated.

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      thefedorowsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Good points, Snowman!

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3. 0

   sheilamyersposted 9 years ago

   I agree with Snowman's answer. The other thing to remember is if you're exercising or working in a very hot environment, you can drink gallons of water and still find yourself with a medical emergency. Replacing water is great, but if you're sweating a lot, you also have to replace lost electrolytes, minerals, etc. In the situations I mentioned, drinking water is a must, but you should also be drinking some type of sport drink. I won't make any recommendations because everyone has different opinions about which are best. Talking to a doctor or sports trainer will be your best bet.

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4. 89

   Kathleen Odenthalposted 9 years ago

   The actual recommendation is 8oz 8 times a day, with an additional 8oz per  caffeinated beverage. The more water the better usually, just don't go over 120 ounces or you are likely just going to pee out the excess water (to be honest)

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5. 60

   artist101posted 9 years ago

   
   
   The recommendations on staying hydrated is 1/2 ounce per pound of body weight. So the one size fits all of 8 cups isn't valid any more. You can become toxic by drinking to much water. Making sure you get enough is fairly easy when you apply the above equation. How do you know? If your mouth is dry your already dehydrated. Fatigue is also a sign as well as muscle cramps, and weakness. The muscles are comprised of water, makes sense. Sip water all day, if you feel bloated, you know its too much. Each of us is different, listen to your body, it will tell you.Hope this helps.

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   1. 0

      sheilamyersposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Excellent answer!

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      artist101posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      thank you sheilamyers! Yours too!!

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   3. 77

      thefedorowsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Great answer!  I hadn't heard that recommendation of 1/2 ounce per pound.  I appreciate your approach...each of us is different!

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      artist101posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for the best answer vote, and you're welcome.

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