How Much Water Do I Need To Drink?

The recommendation to drink eight cups of water per day is a commonly cited guideline for daily water intake. However, it is important to note that this specific recommendation is not based on any scientific evidence or rigorous research.

The origin of the "eight cups of water per day" guideline is somewhat unclear. It is believed to have originated from a misinterpretation of a 1945 recommendation by the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board, which stated that a "suitable allowance of water for adults is 2.5 liters daily." This recommendation, however, did not specify that this water intake had to be consumed exclusively through drinking, as it also accounted for water obtained from food, other beverages that do indeed hydrate (coffee, tea, etc.) and metabolic processes.

Over time, the guideline has been simplified and popularized as "eight cups of water per day", suggesting that individuals should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water, totaling 64 ounces, each day.

It is important to note that the water requirements for each individual can vary depending on factors such as body weight, physical activity levels, climate, and overall health. The Institute of Medicine provides general guidelines for total daily water intake, which includes fluids from all sources (beverages and food), and suggests that men aim for about 3.7 liters (or about 13 cups) of total water intake per day, while women aim for about 2.7 liters (or about 9 cups). However, these recommendations can vary based on individual circumstances. Note: about 20% of our daily water intake comes from food (fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, etc). So, if you are having 1 40oz water bottle, a cup of coffee, and diet mixed with various foods...you are likely to be consuming enough water.

Now, there is nothing wrong with carrying around an emotional support water bottle or drinking lots of water. Ultimately, water consumption comes down to culture preference and environment. 

While hydration is universally recognized as important, the level of emphasis and cultural attitudes towards it can vary across different countries. You may have noticed this first hand if you've ever traveled outside the U.S.

This emphasis in the U.S. has been driven by public health campaigns, media messaging, and the bottled water industry. As a result, there has been a cultural perception that drinking ample amounts of water is essential for good health.

However, it's important to note that cultural attitudes and practices related to hydration can be influenced by factors such as climate, access to clean drinking water, historical traditions, and dietary patterns.