There’s no need to be afraid of math, especially when it comes to something as simple as figuring out how much water is in a glass. Just take a look at this handy little guide and you’ll be a water-measuring pro in no time!
How much water should you drink every day?
There is no hard and fast rule, as everyone’s needs are different. However, the Mayo Clinic offers these general guidelines:
-About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men
-About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women
These recommendations account for fluid from water, other beverages and food. So, if you’re eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, you may not need to drink as much water because they contain water as well.
How many milliliters are in a glass of water?
It depends on the size of the glass, but a typical glass of water is about 8 ounces, or 240 milliliters.
The benefits of drinking water
Water is essential for our bodies to function properly. Every cell, tissue, and organ in our body needs water to work effectively. Drinking plenty of water has a number of benefits, including:
-Maintaining proper body temperature
-Lubricating and cushioning joints
-Protecting delicate tissues
-Getting rid of waste products through urination and sweat
-Aiding in digestion
-Improving mental clarity and focus
Adults should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
The risks of not drinking enough water
Water makes up more than two thirds of the human body and is vital for all our cells and organs to function properly. It lubricates our joints, regulates our body temperature, flushes out toxins from our system and helps carry essential nutrients around our bodies.
Despite all these vital functions, a significant number of people are chronically dehydrated. In fact, it’s estimated that 75% of Americans have chronic low-level dehydration. This can lead to a whole host of problems, including:
-Dry skin
-Fatigue
-Headaches
-Dizziness
-Constipation
-Bloating
-Muscle cramps
How to make sure you’re drinking enough water
When it comes to how much water you should be drinking, there isn’t really a one-size-fits-all answer. The amount of water you need to drink every day depends on a number of factors, including your age, sex, activity level, and the climate you live in.
That said, there are some general guidelines that can help you make sure you’re getting enough H2O. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that women consume around 2.7 liters (or 91 ounces) of water per day, and men consume around 3.7 liters (or 125 ounces) per day. Importantly, these recommendations include both water consumed via beverages and the water found in food.
If you want to get a bit more specific about how many glasses of water you should be drinking each day, Healthline suggests that women drink 9 cups (or 72 ounces) of water per day, and men drink 13 cups (or 104 ounces) per day.
The best times to drink water
Your body is made up of about 60% water, and losing even 1% of that can lead to dehydration. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to your body and how much water it needs. Some people may need more than eight glasses a day, while others may need less.
The best way to know how much water you should drink is to listen to your body. If you’re thirsty, drink. If you’re not thirsty, you probably don’t need more water. There are also some other factors that can affect how much water you need:
-Activity level: If you’re active, you may need more water than if you’re inactive.
-Environment: Hot or humid weather can make you sweat more and lose more water. Dry climates can also cause your body to lose more water through your breath.
-Health conditions: Some health conditions can make you urinate more or make it difficult for your body to retain water. These include diabetes, kidney disease, and certain types of cancer.
The worst times to drink water
Most of us have been told time and again that we should be drinking eight glasses of water a day, but what are the best times to drink water? Turns out, there are certain times of day when you should avoid drinking water, or at least cut back on how much you’re consuming.
Drinking water first thing in the morning can disrupt your sleep.
Drinking water before bed can lead to more trips to the bathroom and disrupt your sleep.
Drinking water during or immediately after a meal can dilute digestive juices and make it harder for your body to break down food.
Drinking icy cold water can shock your system and cause indigestion.
Sipping sugary drinks throughout the day can lead to tooth decay.
How to make water more enjoyable to drink
Water is essential for our bodies to function, yet so many of us don’t drink enough of it. According to the Mayo Clinic, we should be drinking eight glasses of water a day, but most of us only drink about four. If you’re one of those people who just can’t seem to get yourself to drink more water, here are a few tips to make it more enjoyable:
-Add some flavor: Whether it’s a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime, or a few slices of cucumber or strawberry, adding a little bit of flavor can make all the difference.
-Invest in a reusable water bottle: Having a water bottle that you actually like can be a game changer. If you have a water bottle that you enjoy using, you’re much more likely to actually drink from it.
-Find a water filter that you like: If you don’t like the taste of your tap water, investing in a good water filter can make all the difference. There are plenty of options out there, so find one that works for you.
- Drink sparkling water: If plain old water is just too boring for you, try sparkling water instead. It still has all the benefits of regular water, but with a little bit of fizz and flavor.
