Drinking Water

Drinking plenty of water has many health benefits.  More than you might imagine.  After all, two-thirds of our bodies are made up of water. 

Your brain consists of 90% water, blood is 83% water, bone is 22% water, and muscle is up to 75% water. 

Water regulates our body temperature, detoxifies, protects and moisturizes our joints and the air in our lungs, and transports nutrients and oxygen into cells.  By not drinking enough water, you can become dehydrated.  Symptoms include tiredness, migraines, constipation, muscle cramps, irregular blood pressure, kidney problems, dry skin, and even death.

Drinking plain water can become boring but there are ways to stay hydrated by adding flavoring to your water or by regularly including high water content foods to your balanced diet.  Some of these foods include leafy greens like spinach, cabbage, romaine lettuce; melons, like watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew; and tomatoes. 

Everyday you lose water by perspirating, breathing, urinating and having bowel movements.  You have to replenish the water you lose by drinking beverages and eating foods containing water.

There are sources stating that the adequate water intake for men is about 13 cups of total beverages a day, and 9 cups daily for women.  Other sources state 8 cups a day are needed for everyone.

However, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 states "Based on an extensive review of evidence, an Institute of Medicine panel concluded that the combination of thirst and usual drinking behavior, especially the consumption of fluids with meals, is sufficient to maintain normal hydration.  Because water needs vary considerably and because there is no evidence of chronic dehydration in the general population, a minimum intake of water cannot be set."

I would agree with the Dietary Guidelines since everyone's activity level and climate can be so different.  Follow your body's cues, drink when you feel it necessary; stop when you do not. 

References:
http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/DietaryGuidelines/2010/DGAC/Report/D-6-SodiumPotassiumWater.pdf