How much water should I drink every day?
At least eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day for all adults, most of whom lose about two to three quarts of water every day. Athletes, people who live or work in hot environments, and people who perspire heavily lose more water and need to drink even more to keep up with the loss. Drinking fluids helps to maintain your body, which is primarily made up of water. By weight, men are about 60% water and women are about 55% water. Yet many people are walking around mildly dehydrated simply because thirst is a poor indicator of fluid needs, especially as they age. Mild dehydration can decrease one’s energy level and mental functioning and increase stress on the body. The three rules of thumb when it comes to water are: Drink twice as much as it takes to quench your thirst. Drink frequently throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Drink at least eight glasses daily or one cup for every 20 pounds of body weight. For example, a 150-pound person who does not exercise or work in hot climat
