Articles
Water: How much should you drink every day?
Health benefits of water
Factors that influence water needs
Beyond the tap: Other sources of water
Staying safely hydrated
Content
What are the health benefits of water?
How much water do you need?
What about the advice to drink 8 glasses a day?
Is water the only option for staying hydrated?
How do I know if I'm drinking enough?
Should I worry about drinking too much water
Staying safely hydrated
Your fluid intake is probably adequate if:
- You rarely feel thirsty
- Your urine is colorless or light yellow
A doctor or registered dietitian can help you determine the amount of water that's right for you every day.
To prevent dehydration and make sure your body has the fluids it needs, make water your beverage of choice. It's also a good idea to:
- Drink a glass of water or other calorie-free or low-calorie beverage with each meal and between each meal.
- Drink water before, during and after exercise.
- Drink water if you're feeling hungry. Thirst is often confused with hunger.
Although uncommon, it's possible to drink too much water. When your kidneys can't excrete the excess water, the sodium content of your blood is diluted (hyponatremia) — which can be life-threatening.
Athletes — especially if they participate in long or intense workouts or endurance events — are at higher risk of hyponatremia. In general, though, drinking too much water is rare in healthy adults who eat an average American diet.
