How Much Water Should We Really Drink?

Ah, the age-old question is back to haunt us again, exactly how much water should we be drinking every day?

If you asked anyone on the street, they would re-iterate the classic health advice that we’ve all come to know and take as gospel: 8 glasses, of course!

Well, it turns out that might not be as accurate as we might think.

A new study by scientists from the University of Roehampton London has thrown a cat amongst the pigeons, as it has revealed that the amount of water intake needed is unique to the person.

It has shown that the amount of water you need depends on a range of variants like age, sex, location, and even where you work. Naturally, pregnant women and athletes generally need more water, and as we begin to age, the need for a high water intake decreases.

Essentially, the amount of water we need all depends on how much energy we’re using, and how much water our food contains the study reveals. Who knew?

On average, the study found that a normal male from the US or Europe should only be drinking between 1.5 to 1.8 litres of water per day, which is around 6-7 cups.

Meanwhile, women should only have 1.3 to 1.4 litres, around 5 cups a day.

“Water is essential for survival, but one in three individuals worldwide (2.2 billion people) lacks access to safe drinking water,” the study says. And the study has some method in its madness, as they are suggesting that only drinking the amount of water that our body needs could control of overconsumption of water. Giving us the opportunity to re-allocate clean drinking water to those who need it most.

“It is an important finding that can help create global public health policies regarding the provision of drinking water and water-rich food as concerns surrounding climate change, clean drinking water and global water security continue to grow around the world,” shares Professor Lewis Halsey from the University of Roehampton London.

Well, there you go, maybe we don’t need to be making all those trips to the bathroom after all.

Written by Rebekah O’Reilly

• health
• water