How much water should I drink each day? It’s a question I get asked all the time. Here’s the short answer for most people: more than you are now!
Generally speaking, we’re a society that loves to drink mostly everything but water. That leaves most of us in a state of dehydration.
I’m happy to see that water consumption is picking up but I believe it’s still not enough.
If you’re trying to lose weight water should be your best friend. Water can help suppress your appetite but it also flushes out toxins and, here’s what’s really important for losing weight, water is necessary to burn fat. Without water your body can’t properly metabolize carbohydrates or stored fat.
For lipolysis (the process of metabolizing fat) to occur, water is required. Water molecules interact with triglycerides (fats) to create glycerol and fatty acids which can be expended as fuel or repurposed.
Eight glasses of water enough?
While the eight glasses is the standard that we hear, daily water consumption depends on many things, your body weight, how much you’re exercising, how much sun exposure, your age, your overall health, humidity, and temperature to name a few.
One thing is certain, you should drink a minimum of eight glasses per day. A good rule of thumb is to drink at least half your body weight in ounces but a minim
um of eight glasses of water for adults.
Keep in mind that your body can need water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Our bodies lose water in several ways including through our breath, sweat, urine, and stool. Drinking water keeps your body fluids in balance.
The best water is just plain and simple water. Don’t fall for the hype and social media blasts that make false claims about water.
Now, go get a big glass of water!