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When it comes to drinking water, the common conception is the more you drink, the healthier you’ll be. And while to some extent this is true, there’s actually a chance that you could be drinking too much water. If you’ve been carrying around a gallon jug for the last month in a vain attempt to become the health goddess you’re meant to be, according to a dietitian, it could be time to reconsider. You can still drink plenty of water without setting yourself up for three bathroom trips every hour.
A quick Google search will tell you that 8 cups of water a day is ideal to keep you well hydrated. However, according to registered dietitian Megan Wong, this isn’t always the case. She explains, “The amount of water one person needs fluctuates from person to person and can depend on things like age, activity level, the climate they live in, medical conditions, and more. To make sure you’re getting enough fluids, check the color of your urine--it should be clear or pale yellow.”
There is no real number for how many liters of water you should be drinking per day, and your body will likely tell you if you’re hydrated enough by the color of your urine and if you physically feel thirsty. Thirst is typically a sign of dehydration so it’s important to drink plenty of water before you feel that sensation.
One thing to consider when it comes to recommended fluid intake for the day is that it includes beverages other than water. Wong explains, “You can include coffee, tea, milk and milk alternatives...even foods like watermelon and cucumber can be included in your fluid intake.” Other beverages besides water have the capacity to hydrate you, so it’s okay to have some variation when meeting your intake goals.
Staying hydrated is incredibly important for making sure your body runs properly. Hydration helps ward away illness and injury, and maintain a healthy blood flow which ensures that your body is being provided with the nutrients it needs. Wong adds, “If you have a fever, it’s crucial to stay hydrated, as water will help replenish lost fluids and rebalance your body temperature.”
While plenty of water is important to keep your body running, don’t feel too stressed about hitting any particular hydration goals. By listening to your body, you can tell how much water you actually need to consume to stay healthy; you don’t have to force down a gallon each day to be on your A game.
