Water, Water, Everywhere … But How Much Should We Drink?

Do you remember a time when you WEREN’T being told to drink more water? Eight 8-ounce glasses a day. It’s been the recommendation for as long as I can remember. And more, if you’re active. And no, coffee, soda, tea and other beverages don’t count (except herbal tea, which sometimes counts and sometimes doesn’t, depending on the source of the recommendation).

Some people struggle with this number, some people (like myself) exceed it, and some people, like my husband, completely ignore it. I have often had debates with my husband over the issue because he can easily get by on one glass of water a day, where I can drink a glass practically in one gulp. He has always maintained that if he needed more he would drink more, sure that he would in fact know if he needed more.

Finally, an article in Nutrition Action magazine (which I highly recommend) has ended the debate — and shut me up. The June 08 issue features a Q & A with a doctor and expert on kidney function to find out what is behind the age old recommendation of 8×8.

Dr. Heinz Valtin was asked by the American Journal of Physiology to look into the recommendation of 8 glasses of water per day. After 10 months of research, he couldn’t find a single paper that offered scientific support for the recommendation.

He then went on to address many of the myths associated with water intake. I think one of the most common myths is that if you feel thirsty, you may already be dehydrated. Yes, it is a sign that you probably should drink some water, but it’s still a long way before you are in danger of real dehydration. He also says that colored urine is not a sign of dehydration either. Yes, if it’s very dark, you probably need to drink a little more, but you are still not in danger, according to Valtin.

We often hear that caffeinated drinks are diuretics and therefore should not count towards water consumption. Valtin indicates that it is only in large doses that caffeine has this effect, and in the amounts that most people consume, caffeinated beverages can indeed be counted towards water intake. Of course, in my opinion, the more water and less soda, coffee, etc. that you drink, the healthier you are likelier to be overall.

Although there is more detailed information in the article, it can easily be summed up by drinking what you feel your body needs which often means drinking at meal time and any time in between when you are thirsty. Pretty simple eh? Sounds good to me.