The Water Debate – Do You Really Need 8 Glasses Every Day?

It used to be that everyone knew and believed that the human body needs at least 8 glasses of water every single day to be healthy, but today there has been a lot more research and some heated debates about this. If you are struggling to get in your eight glasses a day, put down the glass and read for just a moment.

But, What am I missing out on by not Consuming 6-8 Glasses of Water Daily?

It is simple fact that the human body cannot survive without water, but the big question is how much you really need to drink to remain healthy. While doctors once believed you had to drink that eight glass minimum to avoid the dangers of dehydration, it is now believed that different people actually require different amounts of water. Our tips for living a healthy green life style says that you need to drink to remain healthy could be much more or a bit less than what someone else has to drink.

So, how do you determine the right amount of water for your body? You listen to what your body is telling you!

Your body is actually sending you signals to let you know when it needs more water, or when it is thankfully well watered. You do get a lot of moisture through the foods you eat (especially if you eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables), so how much more you need to consume through fluids will vary.

Every time you go to the bathroom, look down…
1. If your urine is clear and you can see the bottom of the toilet through it, you are getting adequate amounts of water.

2. If it is a yellow shade but you can still see the bottom of the toilet, it wouldn’t hurt to drink a bit more water but you aren’t in real danger.

3. If it is darker yellow or brownish and/or appears thicker than water consistency, your body is dehydrated and you MUST increase your intake immediately.

It is a good idea to look at the color of your urine when you first get up in the morning, as that will tell you over time whether you are remaining well hydrated or not.

• If you are seriously dehydrated right now, it may take some time to see that dark coloring go back to light yellow or completely clear, but keep drinking and it will get there.

You can also watch for other physical signs that your body is becoming dehydrated. Also, be sure to check and learn about new conditions and illness information that could be vital to your health, while regulating water intake each day.

• For instance, you will start to feel your mouth get very dried out, especially inside the cheeks. The problem with this is that you are likely to be seriously dehydrated before you notice these symptoms.

What most people do not realize is that feeling a constant need or desire to eat is actually one of the biggest sign of dehydration.

• Many people are constantly snacking or looking for something more to eat, when they really just need to chug a bottle of water! If you are trying to drop a few extra pounds, this is another reason to stay well hydrated.

So, what if you don’t find water appealing?
You can always flavor your water with fresh fruit or even add a splash of 100% fruit juice (no added sugar).

• You may even consider buying frozen berries (no sugar added, just plain fruits) and throwing them into your water. They will work similar to ice but deliver some fresh flavor as they thaw out.