The basis of body fluids is water. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 60 percent of body weight is composed of water. Every system in the body uses water. For example, water is used to flush toxins out of organs and carry nutrients to cells, where they are needed. The body needs water, but water in the body is lost daily through the natural processes of urination, perspiration and bowel movements. Water is also lost as vapor in exhalations. The water in the body must be replaced. Insufficient water intake can lead to dehydration, which causes the body to function inefficiently. The amount of water a person should drink daily depends on a variety of factors, but there are several ways to gauge specific needs.
Recommendations
The recommended amount of daily water is different for men and women. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men drink 13 cups, which is about 3 liters of beverages daily. The recommendation for women is 9 cups, which is about 2.2 liters, of beverages daily. This is a recommendation for beverages, not water, but beverages contribute to daily water requirements.
Athletes have a higher recommended daily water requirement, according to the Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board. Female athletes should drink 11.5 cups, or about 2.7 liters, of water daily. Male athletes should drink 15.75 cups, or about 3.7 liters, of water daily.
Replacement Approach
One way to approach the amount of water needed daily is to look at how much water the body loses daily on average. Through urination, about 6.3 cups, which is about 1.5 liters, of water is lost daily. Another liter is lost daily through other body processes. Water can be found in the food consumed, which accounts for about 20 percent of water intake, which leaves a daily replacement need for a little more than 9 cups, which is about 2 liters, of water daily.
Other Factors
Hot and dry weather can increase the amount of water needed daily. High altitudes, over 8,200 feet, can also increase the amount of water needed daily because of an increase in respiration and urination. Some illnesses that have symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting or fever can also add to the daily water needs. For women who are pregnant, the daily recommended fluid intake is 10 cups, or about 2.3 liters. For women who are breastfeeding, the daily recommended fluid intake is 13 cups, or about 3.1 liters.
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