How much water do you need on a daily basis?
Depending on your daily activity level, it can vary dramatically.
There was an article in yesterday's Ottawa Citizen titled Eight-by-eight doesn't hold water, which looked at the confusion over recommended levels of daily water consumption.
One PhD recommends 2 glasses of water a day. Yeah, I don't think so. This same person stated that coffee was an adequate source for hydration. Last time I checked coffee was a diuretic and accelerates dehydration.
Another PhD recommended more water, the better. I don't know about that either. Can't that lead to hyponatremia and possible death if water consumption is unchecked?
The article concluded with the message that there really is no exact method for determining how much water you need. Gauging when you need water by thirst can be one way. But then there are some who say you are already dehydrated if you let yourself become thirsty. Who knows?
My one piece of advice is to make sure you consume electrolytes with your water if you are participating in any activity in hot weather. Water will not replace lost electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and magnesium) so add a little Gatorade powder to your water bottle. And use common sense with how much water you drink. I use the thirst method, but that is just me. Also, don't force water down just because you think more is better. It isn't.
Also read: How much should I drink during exercise?
