How Much Water Should You Really Be Drinking a Day?
I’ve always heard that one can’t drink too much water every day. Amarillo heat during the summer can be brutal but just hearing that you need to drink “lots” of water can be unclear.
For some people, that could be the standard eight 8-ounce glasses, but others could need a lot more (or perhaps less). Dietitian Jim White, RD, ACSM, explains how much water you should be drinking. And for more, be sure to check out What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Drinking Water.
Although everyone has different needs, White says sticking to the oft-recommended amount of eight 8-ounce glasses (64 ounces total) should suffice to help you stay hydrated, and it can help boost weight loss for the average person or someone just looking to drop a few pounds, too.
In general, you should let your thirst be your gage. If you’re still thirsty after drinking 64 ounces throughout the day, adjust your intake accordingly.
But if you’re feeling quenched, be sure not to overdo it; drinking too much water could lead to hyponatremia, also known as water intoxication, where the sodium levels in the body become overly diluted and can lead to swelling in the brain, seizures, and coma. There’s a reason this dangerous practice is one of the ways you’re drinking water wrong.
Play it safe and always stay hydrated this summer.