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How much water should I drink?

This is a question we get a lot in practice. How much water should I be drinking on a daily basis? If you google it, you will find lots of different opinions on the topic.

• Eight 8 oz glasses a day
• Your body weight in ounces
• 2.7 litres per day for women/3.7 litres per day for men

First of all, there is no scientific evidence or explanation as to why eight 8 oz glasses of water is necessary for everyone. There are way too many variables to use any “one size fits all” approach to thirst. I drink more water on a day that I work out than on a day that I don’t. I also drink more liquids in the summertime than I do in the wintertime, simply because of how much hotter it is outside. My guidance is to simply let common sense and thirst be your guide. Drink water throughout the day. If you are thirsty, drink more.

The next question is what counts towards your daily intake of liquids. Water is by far the best liquid you can drink. Your body is about 70% water so it’s important to rehydrate in the simplest way possible. If you are working out even up to a moderate amount, then water should suffice. For intensive workouts, add in different liquids to replenish your electrolytes such as coconut water or bone broth.

Still unsure if you are getting enough liquid through the day? Next time you go to the washroom, check the colour of your urine. If it’s clear, then you’re in the clear. If it’s a darker yellow, then you need to drink more water.