Health Facts: Do you really need 8 glasses of water a day?

First of all, let’s get one thing straight: yes, you need water. Water is good for you – after all, up to 60% of adult human bodies are made of water. The convention is to drink 8 glasses of water a day, but is this really necessary? Or is this not enough? The truth is, that magic number is not based on scientific evidence. It is more of a guideline and not a law.

Why drink water?

Water is essential to flush out bacteria from your body. It allows your kidneys to function properly and filter unwanted toxins as well as prevent dehydration. In fact, the biggest cause of kidney stones is the prevalence of chronic dehydration in the body. Those who don’t get enough fluids running through their system also tend to become constipated, so be sure to drink up! As a bonus, drinking water may help you to lose weight.

So, how much water do you need?

The amount of water you need really depends on your body size, your weight and also the level of physical activity you engage in each day, as well as where you live. If you live in a hot climate and you exercise a lot, you tend to sweat a lot more and thus require more water to replenish what you’ve lost. Same goes for your body mass – the bigger you are, the more fluid you’ll need for your body to function properly.

In conclusion, it is not possible to recommend a “one size fits all” range when it comes to the amount of water you have to drink. The best method is to listen to your body and not ignore your thirst – if you feel the urge to drink, make sure you quench it. And if your urine is a dark yellow, this may mean you aren’t drinking enough fluids.

Angela Goh

Photo: Getty Images

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