Do You Need Eight Glasses of Water a Day?
A study from Purdue University “revealed” what dietitians have known for decades. You get a lot of water from your food. A slice of white bread, for example, contains 1 3/4 teaspoons of water. Although there is water in your food, you cannot deny the benefits of drinking pure water throughout the day. Even my pet realizes this truth—he will drink water throughout the day instead of eating food. For most people, 2-3 liters (8-12 cups) of water per day should be enough to keep your body hydrated. The payoff is that plentiful fluids in your system help wash away toxins, keep your fluids balanced and help to prevent the following health problems.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Chronic UTI suffers can literally bring one on by letting themselves run low on fluids several days in a row. Do not substitute juices and sodas for water.
Kidney stones. If you tend to form kidney stones, drink enough fluids so that you void at least 2 quarts of urine a day. Drinking eight glasses of water a day is a good starting point.
Bladder cancer. In one study, people who drank six 8-oz glasses of water every day reduced their bladder cancer risk by 50 percent.
Colon cancer. Higher water intake has also been linked to a 45 percent lower risk of colon cancer in women.
Obesity. Reaching for a calorie-free glass of water throughout the day helps many women stay filled up enough to pass on snacks. Drinking water just before a meal also keeps you from overeating.
Constipation. Drinking six to eight cups of water a day can help prevent constipation by keeping stools soft.
Hydration Hacks
Drink 8 ounces of water when you wake up
Drink 8 ounces of water each hour beginning with breakfast and ending with dinner.
Replace your traditional morning coffee break with a water break
Drink 8 ounces of unsweetened hot or iced tea
Resources: Prevention Magazine, Women’s Health Today