How Much Water Should You Drink?
How much water should you drink a day? How much water should a child drink? How much water should I drink while pregnant?
When it comes to recommended water intake, people have a lot of questions about water and health.
There isn’t one universal answer to these questions. While everyone agrees that water is essential to good health, "how much?" can be difficult to get consensus on. But all experts agree that variations in metabolism, activity level, and environment make setting firm water intake recommendations impossible for the general population.
It’s important to realize that everyone’s needs are different, and there are certain times where increased water intake — or closer monitoring of intake — may be necessary. Keep these circumstances in mind when figuring out how much water to drink:
Exercise: Remember to start activities fully hydrated, replenish as you go, and drink plenty of water upon completion. Be particularly vigilant about replacing lost fluids when exercising in warm or humid conditions.
Pregnancy: Hydration needs may also evolve during pregnancy.
No matter what life stage you’re in, there’s no question that drinking enough water is important. Water is an essential nutrient — we need it to transport oxygen and nutrients, carry waste away, regulate body temperature and much more.
Be sure to consult your medical professional in regards to water consumption goals tailored to your individual needs.
