7 Updated Truths Of How Much Water You Need And Why
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We all know drinking water is an important part of maintaining our health. And we especially know that actresses and Victoria’s Secret models are obsessed with talking about how much of it they drink. But how much is really necessary, and why is it so important?
A Goop post — obviously — features an updated chart and description of the various water requirements based on location, which you can see here, and check out seven facts we learned from Gwynnie and others about the reality of hydration needs, below.
1. The Amount of Water You Need Varies from Person to Person
This really depends on factors like weight, age, how often you exercise, and even the temperature of the climate you’re in. For women (and girls) aged 14 and up, 2000 ml (67.6 oz) is recommended. That’s a little bit upwards of eight glasses a day. For lactating women, it’s 2600-2700 ml (87.9-91.3 oz). That’s what the chart says… just thought I’d throw that in there.
2. You Can Get 20% of Your Daily Water Needs Through Food
‘Cause there’s also water in solid foods, especially fruit. Grapefruit, watermelon, strawberries, and pineapple are all fruits with a high water content.
3. There is Such Thing As Overhydration
This isn’t likely to happen to you unless you’re an extreme athlete or on a lot of ecstasy, but just know it’s possible. “Over-hydration can cause an electrolyte imbalance that affects brain function,” according the Mirror UK. Headaches, lightheadedness, and vomiting are symptoms of this unlikely but unfortunate scenario.
4. Bad Things Really Do Happen When You’re Dehydrated
Water is the most important thing we put in our bodies. You could survive for two months without food, but you’d probably die after a week without water. Not only does it become harder to do things like exercise and think, but women have shown negative changes in mood, memory, and problem-solving abilities.
5. Water Doesn’t Affect Your Skin All That Much
If you’re already well-hydrated, water isn’t going to make a huge difference in how your skin looks. “Better to use an emollient moisturizer to counter dry skin,” Jane E. Brody wrote for the New York Times.
6. The Color of Your Pee Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Anything
People say dark yellow pee can indicate dehydration, but different types of foods, like blackberries, asparagus, or beets can change the color of your pee, so chill out.
7. We All Seriously Need To Stop Drinking Soda
“The entire increase in fluid intake in the United States, from 79 ounces a day in 1989 to 100 ounces in 2002, came from caloric beverages,” says Dr. Barry M. Popkin, a nutrition professor at UNC. And the people who drink soda don’t eat fewer calories. Soda makes us fat and unhealthy. Let’s all stop drinking it.
