If you ask someone how much water they consume in one day, some would say they do, some would say they don’t drink enough, and some would say they don’t know.
After all, the adult human body is made up of approximately 60% of water.
According to The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the daily intake is different for men and women. For men, it is around 3.7 liters (~15.4 cups), and for women, it is about 2.7 liters (~11.5 cups).
Of course, these numbers aren’t really set in stone. Multiple factors can determine how much water you need to consume, such as the environment, exercise, and your overall health. For instance, athletes who engage in intense physical events tend to become dehydrated. Drinking water replaces water lost through sweating during physical activity.
Water has so many benefits that are good for your body, physically, emotionally, and mentally, such as an increase in energy, promoting weight loss, enhanced brain functioning, and clearer skin. Water can also treat or even prevent headaches. For those who struggle with headaches daily, drinking enough water can help or even prevent many headaches you might be having.
When I was younger, I will be honest and say I didn’t truly know the importance of water. I used to crave a lot of sugary drinks and rarely, on any occurrence, drank water (which I know sounds really bad). In addition, I was always anxious and tired, never having enough energy. I was definitely moodier than I should have been, and in my mind, I didn’t always perform at its highest. It wasn’t until I went to high school and college that I realized the benefit of water. When I drink water, I tend to feel better, more energized, and better mentally.
I know that it is hard for many people to drink enough water. Here are some tips for meeting the daily intake.
- Flavor your water: If you think the taste is plain and has no flavor, you can try adding some lemon or cucumber to enhance the taste.
- Take a water bottle with you: To be environmentally friendly, use BPA-free reusable bottles.
- Use an app: If you are tech-savvy like me, an app may be the way to go. Try the Daily Water Tracker Reminder app or the Hydro Coach app to reach your daily goals.
- Use a straw: Surprisingly, you are more likely to slip more water through a straw. I would invest in some good, sturdy straws.
- Eating out? Order water!: This will not only keep you hydrated, but it cuts the calories and price of your bill.
So what do you guys think? Do you consume the recommended daily water intake, or do you struggle to drink enough water per day? Are there any more ways people can easily consume water that I have not listed?
