Most of us just drink when we are thirsty, and not always water! (I love my tea and coffee) Water makes up 60 % of our body weight and all our internal systems depend on water, it flushes the toxins and carries the nutrients to our cells and don't forget all that moisture helps our ears nose and throats!
So what happens when you get just slightly dehydrated? A mild case means your energy drops and begin to feel sluggish and tired.
Keep in mind, every day we lose water just by breathing, our perspiration, urine and bowel movements. (I know, lovely thought) that is why we need to drink every day to replenish for proper body functionality. The question remains: AND How Much??
"The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake for men
is roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day, and for women
it's 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day."
ummmmmm, not sure I am there!! are you?
Maybe they should just say 'fluids'?
"Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day." Heads up, the "8 by 8"
rule isn't supported by hard evidence, it remains popular because it's easy to
remember. Just keep in mind that the rule should be reframed as: "Drink at least
eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day," because all fluids count toward the daily
total. So maybe my coffee, tea and beer isn't so bad!
And by the way: food provides about 20-25 percent of total water intake
Other factors:
exercising: drink 2-3 more cups of water (add electrolytes too, like sport drinks)
environment: sweltering heat, drink more due to sweating!, high altitudes- drink more too
health conditions: fevers and such require more fluids, like the doctor says
breast feeding: drink a little more
And now for the biggest clue:
you are drinking enough if your urine is clear and colorless or light yellow.