You dont need t odrink eight glasses of water every day
I used to try to drink eight glasses of water a day—I even recommended it to my patients but ultimately ended up losing count or spent ail my time in the bathroom. So I was happy to discover in 2002 when reading the American Journa/ of Physiology that there’s no scientific study to support this recommendation. Researchers performed an exhaustive literature search and discovered that large quantities of water are not needed and that thirst regulates our water intake quite well. Our hydration needs can be met through a variety of sources in addition to drinking water. For example, we get water from juice, milk, coffee, tea, fruits, vegetables, and other foods and beverages as well. (Coffee, incidentally, is not really a diuretic. The stimulant effect of coffee produces a very slight amount of water IDSS. The overall volume of water you take in from your cup of coffee more than makes up for the small amount lost in your urine.)
There’s no question that water is important. It transports nutrients, hormones, and oxygen to your cells and takes away waste products via the bloodstream and Iymphatic system. Water also lubricates your joints and makes you feel better. That said, how much water should you drink? Let your thirst guide you. Then look at your urine from time to time. If it’s dark yellow or brown, you’re dehydrated. You want to take in enough fluid each day to keep your urine iaok~:ng clear like . . water.