Live Long and Well with Dr. Bobby #14: Eight Glasses Of Water A Day: Important Guidance Or Urban Myth?
Our bodies are 60% water and water is really important. But, It is not clear the origin of drinking 8 glasses of water per day. There were no studies that scientifically show that this number is the correct amount. I vote that it is an "urban myth." Good report summarizes important information about how our body uses water
But, water is crucial for us, just not that mythical amount. Our body uses water in the following ways:
- urine to excrete byproducts of what we eat (perhaps 2-3 glasses of water per day needed)
- respiratory loss (perhaps 1 cup/day)
- "insensible loss"-sweating to maintain body temperature (wide range depending upon temperature--2 glasses of water/day up to 1 gallon or more)
- stool perhaps 1/2 cup of water per day
My take on the scientific evidence:
1. The body is amazing at controlling our water balance. Trust it! There is no evidence based reason to focus on getting 8 glasses of water each day. And, we get substantial fluids from our food/morning coffee/milk or sodas at meals...
2. If you are thirsty, drink. If your urine has gotten much darker, then perhaps drink. Otherwise trust your body
3. these observations don't apply if you have kidney disease or are elderly. Ask your doctor.
Tasty water "tidbits": drinking extra water each day...
- does not seem to make our skin look young and full (might hydrate it a little but not clear if it looks better)
- does not seem to affect our joints/cartilage (no evidence found here...)
- does not reduce dry eyes
- probably doesn't help us eat less
- DOES reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections