The Word on Water
The Word on Water (SBD Daily Dish)
Dr. Agatston always says it's more important to drink when you're thirsty instead of obsessing over how many glasses of water you drink each day. A new report from the Institute of Medicine backs this up even more: The study shows that most Americans do a pretty good job of keeping themselves hydrated throughout the day without counting glasses.
On average, women require 2.7 liters of water each day and men require 3.7 liters. Athletes and people who live in warmer climates may have increased water needs. You can tell you're not getting enough water if you develop increased thirst, dry lips and mouth, headache, fatigue, and darker urine. While getting too much water is not as much of a concern, it is possible to go overboard-some endurance athletes drink so much water that they effectively dilute their blood, putting themselves in danger of developing disorientation and nausea (and even risking death). Luckily, this is a rare occurrence that should not overly concern the average person.
To make sure you get just the right amount of water, let your thirst guide you. And remember that coffee, juices, sodas, and milk all contribute to your daily water intake, as do fruits and vegetables.
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