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blog Do You Really Need to Drink 8 Glasses of Water Every Day?

Do You Really Need to Drink 8 Glasses of Water Every Day?

TJ Ferrara

over 2 years ago

Do you really need to follow the 8x8 rule?

With summer over, you might not feel the need to drink as much water, especially as the days get shorter and you spend less time in the heat of the sun. But water is still essential, even when we aren’t breaking a sweat. Our bodies are approximately 60% water, and water is responsible for many of our bodies’ major processes including regulating temperature, transporting nutrients, digestion, circulation, and generally just holding us together.

Have you heard of the 8x8 rule?

We are always looking for easy tips for staying healthy, and the 8x8 rule is one of them. It’s the popular rule of thumb that states that people need to drink eight glasses of eight ounces of water every day to stay adequately hydrated. The thing about this rule is that we really don’t know how it started or whose idea it was to begin with. There are many theories as to where the 8x8 recommendation came from. Some people say it started in the 1940s when scientists suggested drinking one mL of water per calorie consumed each day. Since the general recommended calorie intake has typically been 2000 calories per day, this adds up. However, this study also added that this water could come from the food you consumed.

We might not need as much water as we think, but we also might need more

Since then other scientists have examined the rule in various studies and found one thing: there is no evidence to say exactly how much water humans consume every day. So if there is no exact number for how many ounces of water you should consume each day, how are you to stay hydrated? Luckily, our bodies give us signs about our hydration. If you rarely feel thirsty and your urine is a pale color, then you are probably drinking enough water. However, if you constantly crave water and your urine is a deep bright yellow, it may be time to rehydrate. While we may not actually need eight glasses of water each day, that doesn't mean we should stop making hydration a priority. It’s also good to stay ahead of our hydration if we plan on exercising that day. Plan on drinking water with every meal, before and after exercise, and whenever you feel thirsty. One good rule of thumb is to have a glass of water when we wake up in the morning before our day gets going. Instead of trying to hit a certain number, focus on what feels best for you and your body. Water needs are highly personal and depend on your age, gender, weight, activity level, and even where you live. Drink water when you feel thirsty and stop when you don't. Drink a little more to make up for water lost to sweat during heat or exercise. However, take all this with a grain of salt. If you find that you are never thirsty, you need to prioritize drinking water, even if you feel like you don't need it. This is more common in elderly people.

When do you need to drink more water?

There will always be occasions when you need to increase your water intake. This includes:

  • While pregnant

  • When working out

  • If you spend a lot of time in the sun (even in the winter)

You are considered dehydrated when you lose 1-2% of your body’s water composition. This usually occurs as a result of spending extended periods of time outside in the heat and sun and during intense exercise or physical exertion.

Undeniable benefits of staying hydrated

There are undeniable benefits of staying hydrated. Of course it is necessary for your body to perform basic life processes, but there are also noticeable differences that you will experience if you start making water a priority for the first time.

  • You may notice that you experience less frequent headaches and better mental performance overall

  • You will have a decreased risk of kidney stones as your body can flush out minerals better

  • Better digestion and less constipation

  • Many vitamins require water to be absorbed

  • Have trouble running without cramping up? Drinking plenty of water the day before a run leads to less cramping and better workouts

  • Better skin

  • More energy

Be careful not to drink too much water

Most people will never drink too much water, but it is possible to over hydrate. Typically this happens to athletes who are trying to prepare for exercise by getting extra hydrated. When you drink too much water your kidneys can become overwhelmed and are not able to eliminate the excess water quickly enough. This leads to a condition called hyponatremia, or overhydration.

Collagen can help

Yes, you need to get hydrated but you also need to stay hydrated. Refueling by drinking water frequently is one way to stay hydrated, but did you know that collagen can help your body stay hydrated longer? The amino acids in collagen can help your body stay hydrated for longer. Check out our line of unflavored collagen peptides that you can mix with water or your favorite beverage or check out the Fountain of Youth Blend which features hydrating Biotin and Maqui Berry.