Water

[Big Pun]

How much water should i be drinking daily ? I've heard alot of different things. And what exactly are the benefits of drinking water , besides clear piss ? And although I'll probably never have to worry about it, how much is too much that could be causing Hyponatremia ? Thanks in advance.

 

[sho'nuff]

drink enough water throughout the day that fits your needs. some days you drink more. some days you drink less. your body will tell you. just listen to your body.
the standard 8-10 glasses a day is another one of those fleeting research trends that will do more harm than good.

 

[MrG]

This may help: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283

It's a Mayo Clinic article that covers the debate on how much you should drink. It also makes brief mention of hyponatremia.

 

[robertorex]

I don't remember ever drinking only ten 8-oz glasses of water a day. I work out regularly so usually I drink two to three times that. I don't think you need to worry about hyponatremia unless you're in some kind of water drinking contest.

 

[ryoneo]

I heard that a good indicator of water consumption is the clarity of one's urine. If your urine is clear or near it, you are properly hydrated at the current moment.

 

[Tarmac]

Originally Posted by robertorex

I don't remember ever drinking only ten 8-oz glasses of water a day. I work out regularly so usually I drink two to three times that. I don't think you need to worry about hyponatremia unless you're in some kind of water drinking contest.

wtf, 240 oz per day? 1.9 gallons?

 

[JeffC]

Originally Posted by ryoneo

I heard that a good indicator of water consumption is the clarity of one's urine. If your urine is clear or near it, you are properly hydrated at the current moment.

This usually only happens after I've been drinking excessively.

 

[scugger]

I remember reading somewhere (maybe it was Lyle McDonald) that you are well hydrated if you have 5 almost clear urinations per day, two of which occur after working out. I think this guidelines is more geared towards athletes.

 

[greg_atlanta]

Why the hangup with clear urine? It's normal for your urine to be darker after intense exercise (lactic acid).

All liquids you consume count towards your daily target, including coffee, tea, booze, etc. Yes they dehydrate you later, but they hydrate you temporarily as much as water.

 

[turbozed]

Originally Posted by greg_atlanta

Why the hangup with clear urine? It's normal for your urine to be darker after intense exercise (lactic acid).

All liquids you consume count towards your daily target, including coffee, tea, booze, etc. Yes they dehydrate you later, but they hydrate you temporarily as much as water.

Don't forget the water you get from eating foods. Veggies and meat all contain amounts of water that go towards your daily intake.

IMO, your body should tell you when you need water (it's called feel thirsty). Otherwise, I think it's counterproductive to force yourself to drink water when you don't really feel like it. Of course, certain diets and activities will cause you to need more (e.g. taking creatiine, eating a lot of protein, doing a lot of exercise) but, even then, you'll just get thirsty more often.

 

[e23]

I drink water constantly throughout the day usually finish 2 litres a day, but if I'm making an effort I sometimes end up drinking a gallon.

I think the recommended amount is 8-10 glass a day

 

[scarphe]

i doubt here is a set amount a person should drink, it proabably depend upon the climate, the level of physical activity etc. if one works out 5 hour day, or more you will need to eat more, as well drink more water.

 

[Kris]

Water is overrated. **** water. Water is ****.

 

[scugger]

I've heard that thirst is lagging indicator of hydration. I think by the time your are thirsty your hydration levels are sub-optimal (at least for athletic performance).

Originally Posted by turbozed

Don't forget the water you get from eating foods. Veggies and meat all contain amounts of water that go towards your daily intake.

IMO, your body should tell you when you need water (it's called feel thirsty). Otherwise, I think it's counterproductive to force yourself to drink water when you don't really feel like it. Of course, certain diets and activities will cause you to need more (e.g. taking creatiine, eating a lot of protein, doing a lot of exercise) but, even then, you'll just get thirsty more often.

 

[scugger]

Yeah, I agree that your urine is darker after exercise. I think the reason for 2 clear urinations after exercise is to make sure that you are rehydrating yourself properly.

Originally Posted by greg_atlanta

Why the hangup with clear urine? It's normal for your urine to be darker after intense exercise (lactic acid).

All liquids you consume count towards your daily target, including coffee, tea, booze, etc. Yes they dehydrate you later, but they hydrate you temporarily as much as water.