Did you know that drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day is a myth? There’s no science behind it.
After reading The Compound Effect, I made a list of 3 things to start working on by implementing the strategies in the book. One of the 3 was increasing my water intake to 8 glasses/64 ounces per day, so on June 13, 2015, I started being intentional about my water intake. It was not easy – old habits die hard, but this was important to me. I was only drinking about one glass of fluid per day and most days this was either a fruit drink or 2 cups of coffee before work. My daughter was home for the summer so she joined me in the challenge, which later became a friendly competition. Today, I consistently drink 8 glasses/64 ounces, or more, of water per day.
According to a recent NY Times article, drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day isn’t really recommended after all. The suggestion likely came from a 1940s Food and Nutrition Board recommendation, but it seems we ignored an important part: “Most of this quantity is contained in prepared foods.”
Although there’s no formal recommendation and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to water needs, there are benefits to drinking water daily. According to the CDC, choosing water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages can help with weight management. Water also helps your body:
- Keep a normal temperature.
- Lubricate and cushion joints.
- Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.
- Get rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.
According to research, water aids in digestion, circulation, and absorption, and water prevents you from becoming dehydrated. Your brain is strongly influenced by hydration and studies show that even mild dehydration (1-3% of body weight) can impair many aspects of brain function. Claims have also been made that drinking water gives you a radiant, healthy, younger-looking complexion. Some studies have shown that drinking plenty of water can help you lose weight. This is due to the fact that water can suppress hunger and appetite and can boost your metabolic rate. Also, your body will use additional energy (calories) to heat the water to body temperature when you drink cold water.
Although there is little science behind this eight-a-day rule, staying hydrated is important. Most people who are in good physical health get enough fluids by drinking water and other beverages when they’re thirsty, and also by drinking a beverage with each of their meals.
Personally, I will continue to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day. I see the effects in my skin tone, I have fewer headaches and my back aches from my kidney stones are basically nil. I also believe that my water intake is helping my weight loss quest, and I need all the help I can get!
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Educate . Empower . Encourage
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
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