Water is truly essential for life, but do people actually need to drink eight glasses each day? Scientific investigation into this claim has revealed that eight is an arbitrary number. Dartmouth Medical School professor Heinz Valtin suggests that people should drink when they are thirsty, rather than guzzling water because it is popular to do so.
Misconceptions
Many health conscious individuals believe that drinking more water staves off hunger, flushes toxins from the body and even improves skin tone. Others believe that by the time thirst is felt, dehydration has already occurred. These beliefs are inaccurate.
Significance
Water is essential for life. Our bodies are mostly water, and we do need water to function properly. But we also get water from the foods we eat, such as fruits and vegetables, as well as from other fluids, including caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
Reality Check
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania reported that adults should aim to replenish the fluids they lose each day. That translates to between 4 to 6 glasses of water daily.
Exceptions
There are some exceptions to these findings, however. Increased water intake can ward off some conditions, such as kidney stones. Individuals who engage in strenuous physical activity need to replace the water lost through sweat. Pregnant women and nursing mothers need additional water to maintain amniotic fluid levels and milk supply. Additional water consumption is necessary in hot weather and on long flights.
Potential Benefits
Despite the debate, drinking water is better than drinking many other popular beverages. Dieters may find that they consume fewer calories if they drink water with meals. Thirst can be quenched with water rather than sugar or chemical-laden sodas or alcoholic beverages.
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