We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Show Adequate intake (AI) of water is 13 cups for men and 9 cups for women. How much water you should drink also depends on your age, if you’re pregnant, exercise, or live in a warmer climate, and more. You may have heard that you should aim to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. How much you should actually drink is more individualized than you might think. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) looked at survey data to find out about Americans’ average daily water intake. Based on this data, they published recommendations that they called adequate intakes (AIs) in a 2005 study. Doctors still refer to these recommendations today. They include:
AIs are based on the median water intake from U.S. survey data, and some people seem to do fine with less water. A wide range of intakes is typical in a population. For instance, physically active people or those who live in hotter environments will require a higher intake of water. This range shows that the answer to exactly how much water you should drink isn’t so simple. While the eight glasses rule is a good start, it isn’t based on solid, well-researched information. Your body weight is made up of 60 percent water. Every system in your body needs water to function. Your recommended intake is based on factors including your gender, age, activity level, and whether you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. AdultsThe current IOM recommendation for people ages 19 and older is around 131 ounces for men and 95 ounces for women. This refers to your overall fluid intake per day, including anything you eat or drink that contains water, like fruits or vegetables. Of this total, men should get around 13 cups from beverages. For women, it’s 9 cups. ChildrenRecommendations for kids have a lot to do with age:
Pregnant or breastfeeding womenIf you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, your recommendations change. The IOM recommends that pregnant women of all ages should aim to get 80 ounces, or 10 cups of water, each day. Breastfeeding women may need to up their total water intake to 104 ounces, or 13 cups. Other considerationsYou may also need to drink more water if you:
Water is important for most processes your body goes through in a day. When you drink water, you replenish your stores. Without enough water, your body and its organs can’t function properly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following benefits of drinking water:
Drinking enough water can also help you look your best. For example, a 2018 research review looked at the ways that water can keep your skin looking healthy. The skin is your body’s largest organ. When you drink plenty of water, you keep it healthy and hydrated. Drinking too little or too much water both have risks. DehydrationYour body is constantly using and losing fluids through actions like sweating and urinating. Dehydration happens when your body loses more water or fluid than it takes in. Symptoms of dehydration can range from being extremely thirsty to feeling fatigued. You may also notice you aren’t urinating as often or that your urine is dark. Signs of dehydration in children listed by Medline Plus include:
Dehydration may lead to:
You can treat mild dehydration by drinking more water and other fluids. If you have severe dehydration, you may need treatment at the hospital. Your doctor will likely give you intravenous (IV) fluids and salts until your symptoms go away. HyponatremiaDrinking too much water may be dangerous for your health as well. When you drink too much, the extra water can dilute the electrolytes in your blood. Your sodium levels decrease and can lead to what is called hyponatremia. Symptoms include:
When hyponatremia is caused by drinking too much water, it’s sometimes known as water intoxication hyponatremia. Water intoxication hyponatremia is uncommon. People with a smaller build and children are at a higher risk of developing this condition. So are active people, like marathon runners, who drink large quantities of water in short periods of time. If you’re at risk due to drinking large quantities of water for exercise, consider drinking a sports drink that contains sodium and other electrolytes to help replenish the electrolytes you lose through sweating. You may be able to meet your water intake goal by drinking when you’re thirsty and with your meals. If you need some extra help consuming enough water, check out these tips for drinking more:
How much water should you drink based on your weight?“In general, you should try to drink between half an ounce and an ounce of water for each pound you weigh, every day.” For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, that would be 75 to 150 ounces of water a day.
How much water should you drink chart?Pregnant or breastfeeding women. How many oz of water should I drink calculator?You should add 12 ounces of water to your daily total for every 30 minutes that you work out.
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