So I just ran across this hydration calculator. It makes you put in your weight, asks how long you exercise, and a few other questions and it tells you how much water you should drink a day! I thought it was pretty cool. It seems to be a more exact answer than just the basic 8 glasses a day...because really glasses come in all shapes and sizes so how much is really a "glass"?

My results were: "138.5 ounces of water today, or 4.2 liters.
If you eat a healthy diet, about 20 percent of your water may come from the foods you eat. If you eat a healthy diet you can drink 110.8 ounces of water today, or 3.3 liters." Thats like WAY more than Ive been drinking! I need to get on the ball!

Check yours out at, nutrition.about.com/library/blwatercalculator.htm , if youre interested! =)



Sorry, its late and I cant sleep and Im a bit rambly! lol

That's really helpful! You're right, 8 glasses of water per day is very vague.

BTW, does this mean you exercise lots and lots?

Must go plug my specifications in and see what it says....

For me, it says I'm supposed to drink 2 - 2.5 liters of water daily. That works out to 2 bottles of aquafina (34 fl. oz = 1 L), which I manage to consume. Woohoo! I'm on target.

This link is really useful, thanks for posting it VernDern!

I say just go by your urine color to determine if you're staying well hydrated or not

Do you know who designed the calculcator? I would be suspicious of it's accuracy.

If you're on any medications, but especially blood pressure medications or diuretics, talk to your doctor before drinking more than 3 liters a day (and count all beverages, including coffee - it is not nearly as dehydrating as is often claimed - you do not have to drink extra water to compensate for coffee because most of the water in the coffee is used by your body just fine).

Water overdose (a potentially life-threatening condition, also called water poisoning, water intoxication, and hyponutremia) is rare, but if you're on blood pressure medications (even a small dose), unfortunately not that rare.

yes also if you have CHF or severe edema you should ask your dr. what your water intake should be.

My readout said I should have 5.5 liters... I don't think so!!

A "glass" means an 8 oz. glass.

I aim for 64 ounces a day from drinking water (the 8 8-oz. glass rule). That plus other beverages and food gives me about what the calculator said.

Jay

I actually don't worry about water. The research all suggests that between our food and other liquids we do pretty well at staying hydrated (and would likely know if we weren't). And of course it's important to stay hydrated!

Many people like to drink lots of water for other reasons, as well. It helps keep them full, for example.

Cool link, thanks! My said 92 oz which is right around what I drink.

It looks to me like the calculator is mostly using this basic rule of thumb: half your weight in ounces a day. That's what I already aim for - and succeed in drinking. ^^

Good to know, thanks for the link. I confess I do not enjoy drinking water, even though I use a Brita filter. Sometimes I add a splash of juice to change the taste.
But at home I do keep a cup at my desk with a straw and make it a "task" to finish it while I work.

2.6 L for me - which is just about how much I already drink

I need 146 ounces a day. It seems high, but I suppose it's right since I'm also breastfeeding.

I drink almost 4-6 liters a day and I only need about 3 go me! I love water though so I have never really had any problems drinking a ton of it. It doesnt help that I have to run to the bathroom every 5 min though haha.