How Much Water Should I Drink?

Overview

We've all heard we need to drink water to be healthy. But how much water is enough? Do we need eight glasses a day, like many believe? How do we know we're getting the right amount? Let's take a few minutes to learn about our daily water needs.

Your body's needs

First, let's cover the basics. In general, men need about 125 ounces of fluids every day. Women need about 91. Now, this doesn't mean you have to drink that much plain water every day. Each time you drink or eat anything that contains water, that counts too. Most people get about 80 percent of their water from drinks. They get the rest of their water from food.

Drink when you're thirsty

If you're in good health, you probably don't need to set goals for how much water you drink each day. Just drink whenever you're thirsty. Thirst is your body's way of telling you that it needs water. For most people, that's enough.

Special circumstances

However, some people do need more water than they realize. If you're active and sweating, drink water before, during and after your activity. If the weather is hot and humid, or if you're at a high altitude, stay hydrated. If you're sick, especially if you have vomiting or diarrhea, drink plenty of water. And if you're a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding, you need more water, too.

Conclusion

For more information about how much water is right for you, talk to your doctor.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.