How much oz water to drink a day

The amount was incremental but could add up over time. Drinking water about a half hour before meals can also reduce the number of calories you end up consuming Overall, it seems that drinking adequate amounts of water, particularly before meals, may give you a boost in managing appetite and maintaining a healthy body weight, especially when combined with a healthy eating plan.

Drinking water can cause slight, temporary increases in metabolism, and drinking it about a half hour before each meal can help you eat fewer calories. Drinking enough water is required for your body to function in general.

Several health problems may also respond well to increased water intake:. Drinking more water and staying adequately hydrated may help with some health problems, such as constipation, urinary and bladder infections, kidney stones, and skin dehydration.

Plain water is not the only drink that contributes to your fluid balance. Other drinks and foods can have a significant effect. In fact, studies show that the diuretic effect of these beverages is weak, but they can cause extra urination in some people However, even caffeinated drinks help add water to your body overall.

Most foods contain water in varying levels. Meat, fish, eggs, and especially fruits and vegetables all contain water. Other beverages can contribute to fluid balance, including coffee and tea. Most foods also contain water. Maintaining water balance is essential for your survival. For this reason, your body has a sophisticated system for controlling when and how much you drink. When your total water content goes below a certain level, thirst kicks in. Your body knows how to balance its water levels and when to signal you to drink more.

While thirst may be a reliable indicator of dehydration, relying on feeling thirsty may not be adequate for optimal health or exercise performance At the time thirst strikes, you may be already feeling the effects of too little hydration such as fatigue or headaches.

Aim for pale, clear urine. It is completely arbitrary 1 , That said, certain circumstances may call for increased water intake. The most important one may be during times of increased sweating. This includes exercise and hot weather, especially in a dry climate. Athletes doing long, intense exercises may also need to replenish electrolytes , like sodium and other minerals, along with water. Your water need increases during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If you desire to lose weight, consider upping your water intake too. Furthermore, older people may need to consciously watch their water intake because the thirst mechanisms can start to malfunction with aging. Drink when you're thirsty: There's some controversy surrounding this method. Some health professionals say you shouldn't overcomplicate hydration and your body tells you when it needs water. Others say waiting until you're thirsty is waiting too long -- that you're already dehydrated when you feel thirst.

Some people seem to have stronger thirst mechanisms than others, so this method may or may not work for you. Drink a glass before meals and between meals: This isn't bad advice. Structuring water intake around a ritual like mealtime can ingrain hydration as a habit. However, your total water intake will vary depending on how many meals you eat. If you eat three meals, you'll drink five glasses of water according to this rule, which may not be enough unless they're big glasses.

If you don't have a routine eating pattern, this rule probably won't work for you. Drink eight glasses a day: Again, one-size-fits-all health advice rarely works for all people. If you feel adequately hydrated on 64 ounces of water each day, that's great. If you feel overly hydrated clear pee and very frequent urination , cut back slightly. If you feel dehydrated dark pee, headaches, infrequent urination , eight glasses may not be enough for you.

Drink half your bodyweight in ounces: This is a simple guideline that's easy to remember and usually easy to achieve. If you weigh pounds, aim to drink 75 ounces of water each day. This is the only rule of thumb that accounts for different body sizes, but it doesn't account for thirst, climate, activity level or other factors.

Experiment with hydration techniques to find what works for you. As long as you're not battling chronic fatigue, headaches or other signs of dehydration , you are probably doing a pretty good job. The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice.

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