How much water should you drink a day? And other hydration questions, answered by experts
As hot temperatures prevail across the country drinking water is at the forefront of the list. But what amount of water should you drink? Based on the advice of experts, there's greater than you thought. However, they caution against taking too much of something good.
"Our bodies are comprised of water primarily and that should reveal something to you," Dr. Alexa Mieses Malchuk, a family doctor who runs a primary care clinic based on membership One Medical, told CBS News about the importance of water.
Water plays an important role in the way that our bodies function including controlling your body's temperature as well as lubricating joints, and protecting tissues and organs.
A study conducted earlier this year found those who drink enough water are less likely to exhibit symptoms of getting older and suffering from chronic illnesses.
To ensure that you're staying on top of your water intake, we reached out to experts to answer your most-searched questions on hydration.
How much water do you need to consume every day?
Many people are familiar with the "8 cups per day" guidelines However, Mieses Malchuk says that's just an average guideline. In actuality, your body may need more depending on certain factors.
"The fact is that the way to determine the amount of water that one requires is a more complicated," she says. "It's really based on a person's size and the amount of exercise they do, the food they're eating, and even the conditions."
If, for instance, it's humid and warmer out, you'll probably need more water.
Eight cups, or a total weight of 64 ounces "is typically an ideal starting point so when people realize that they may require greater quantities," she adds.
As per the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, daily water consumption guidelines vary between 2.7 to 3.7 Liters, which is up to one hundred and 125 grams. However, it doesn't have to come from glasses of water. It can also be from other drinks and foods.
How much water is considered to be too much?
It's possible to drink excessive amounts of water, but it's not an issue that is common.
But, drinking excessive consumption of water, or other fluids such as sports drinks can trigger an emergency medical condition known as hyponatremia. It is also known as water poisoning, or intoxication. The body suffers from an imbalance of electrolytes.
The body's water levels increase and cells expand in the body's attempt to control the amount of electrolytes. These could lead to health issues according to the Dr. Mahesh Polavarapu, medical director of the emergency department at the New York-Presbyterian Westchester hospital, recently told CBS News.
"If you're consuming excess water, it's going effectively push the water into cells in order to sort of equalize sodium and other electrolytes concentrations," Polavarapu said. "So when that occurs, the brain cells as well as other cells within your body begin to grow."
If it happens in the most extreme situations it can be fatal.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that people should not take more that 48 ounces or 6 cups per hour.
However, for the majority of people who are healthy "This shouldn't be something to be concerned about. You ought to be drinking the amount of water you think is essential," Polavarapu said.
What is the most potent water to drink?
"The most effective liquid to hydrate yourself is plain water that is clean," Mieses Malchuk says and adds that doctors might provide different recommendations to people suffering from specific health conditions or other lifestyle factors, such as being an elite athlete.
The "clean" aspect of this may be a bit tricky According to an analysis conducted recently, nearly half of United States' tap water is thought to contain PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals. "
The chemical compounds that are used in cookware with non-stick coatings and stain-resistant items, as well as other products are associated with a higher chance of developing a variety of ailments, such as certain cancers.
The Environmental Protection Agency is working to establish and regulate legally binding amounts of chemicals in order to supplement the efforts of the state to reduce PFAS-related compounds.
To alleviate concerns over potential contamination, a few customers are opting to use filters to filter their water.
Does coconut water benefit you? What about water with a flavor?
If you decide to go beyond pure drinking water Mieses Malchuk warns you that things could be a bit complicated as certain prepackaged varieties of flavor-enhancing waters with fruit juice may contain food coloring, additives sugar as well as synthetic sweeteners.
Coconut water is a popular drink but research has shown that it does not provide more benefits in hydrating your body as regular drinking water. Mayo Clinic experts mention that coconut water can contain electrolytes like manganese, sodium, potassium and sodium which help replenish the ones lost by sweating.
If you're a person who has trouble to drink enough fluids instead of reaching for packaged fruit water to get a different flavors, Mieses Malchuk recommends putting fresh fruit in your regular water.
"That is a natural method to impart flavor without added sugars," she says.
Does sparkling water benefit you?
The use of sparkling water products is mostly dependent on personal choice, Mieses Malchuk says, however, she warns that they're more acidic than plain water.
"With carbonated water, you must be aware that it's a slightly more acidic. Therefore, for those who are drinking carbonated drinks, regardless of the sugar content it is important to be aware about destroying the enamel of your tooth," she explained.
Does alkaline water benefit you?
Most people find that drinking alkaline waters that has an elevated pH than tap water, isn't superior to plain tap water, as per the Mayo Clinic.
"Proponents believe that it could neutralize acidity in bloodstreams. Many believe that alkaline waters may help in preventing diseases like cancer or heart disease. However, further studies are needed to prove these assertions," the Mayo Clinic's website states.
As Mieses Malchuk said: "By and large, it is impossible to get anything wrong with simple water."
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