Trying to stay hydrated often feels like a daily struggle. What with so many delicious bevvies out there — Parmesean espresso martini, anyone? — water just seems ho-hum. Maybe that’s why so many water recipes are trending on social media — we are on a constant quest to quench our thirsts in new and interesting ways.
The thing is that staying hydrated isn’t optional. We all have to do it whether it seems boring or not. Why? Well, the majority of your brain, heart, lungs, muscles and kidneys are made of water. In fact, up to 60% of an adult’s body weight is water, so it’s clearly crucial to your wellbeing.
Meanwhile, there’s no official recommendation for how much water you should be drinking since your hydration requirements include fluid from other sources. But, water is the best way to hydrate. Here’s how much water to aim for and 14 easy ways to drink up that aren’t boring.
Why you should drink more water
Besides preventing dehydration, water serves several functions in your body. It helps regulate your body temperature, cushions your joints, supports your body’s natural detoxification process and is needed for healthy circulation.
Meanwhile, insufficient hydration impacts your mood, memory, focus and energy levels. One study found that after a short period of dehydration, rehydration led to improved alertness, happiness and mental clarity, which is consistent with other research on the subject. Another study found that upon boosting their intake by 1% daily, people ate significantly fewer calories, and less sugar and sodium. So, it’s clear that drinking water is a healthy and helpful habit.
How much water do you need to drink?
The advice to drink eight cups — or 64 ounces — of water per day is a bit of an urban legend, but it isn’t far off. The actual recommendation is 93 ounces per day for women and 125 for men. However, about 20% of that comes from water-rich foods, like fruits and veggies, leaving your beverage needs at around 75 to…
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