If you’ve kept up with current health news over the past year you’ve probably come across all the hype about the need for 8 – 8oz glasses of water a day being a myth.
There was a review of studies that came out mid-year saying most of the things we believe that water does for us aren’t scientifically supported. I am an 8 – 8oz glasses a day girl and I routinely come back to thoughts of these claims when I see them mentioned in magazines and on web-sites.
The truth is most people working in the nutrition field were well aware that the original recommendation was simply 8 glasses of fluid a day, not specifically water. As we began to see that the most popular drinks were sugar-laden fruit juices and soda, the recommendation moved to water because it is a healthier choice.
I think many of us reach the point in areas of health where personal experience overrides some of the research we come across. This is one of those areas for me. I know the placebo effect is alive and well, and some things can be all in our heads, but I am a firm believer in water being a healthy and beneficial drink.
The reasons I drink water don’t have anything to do with many of the things the research points out as being false. I mean, I had kidney function on the back of my mind, but it wasn’t my main motivator.
Drinking water makes me feel good. It gives me energy, clears up my skin, makes me feel less bloated and helps prevent headaches. When I don’t have enough, for example when I am traveling or out all day running errands without a bottle near me, I can definitely tell. I get dehydrated quickly and it greatly affects my energy levels.
So I say listen to how water makes you feel before you listen to the media’s twist on some research.
Is drinking water an important part of your health routine? How do you feel about all these claims of 8 x 8 being a myth?
By the way, I was able to find the editorial article on this in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Yay!!
The FIRST THING I do when I wake up in the morning, is drink about 20-32 ounces of water. It really refreshes me, and gets me going in the morning.
I think 8 glasses of what a day is a good goal to aim for. Def listen to your body- there may be some days where you need more and some days where you need less! When I drink lots of water it def makes me feel much better/healthier 🙂
You’re doing the right thing. Not “8 by 8” but “doing what makes YOU feel right.” For some, it’s a lot less and for others it’s a LOT more. And, just like everything else in life, some people underrate it and others overrate it. It’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all thing.
I feel like 64 oz a day is a little daunting, so I like that I can count tea, soup, fruits, etc., but on most days I’m guzzling water down for my workouts and throughout the day. It does make you feel good.
I have been trying to drink a lot more water lately! I totally believe in it’s benefits.
Really great post, Lori. I agree, plenty of water just makes me feel better.
I don’t know if there would be a difference if I drank 8 glasses of water a day or 8 glasses of juice, but for me, I like the taste, it’s refreshing and calorie free and while I don’t notice a huge difference in energy levels (quite possible because I have been drinking this much water every day for the past four years or so so can’t remember my energy levels before) I DO notice a huge difference in my runs when I’m properly hydrated.
In the past I’ve intentionally tried to drink 64oz of water each day. I felt like I was drowning myself and actually felt worse. My usual beverages are milk, tea, water and an occasional half soda. I feel confident that I get enough liquids during the day and don’t need to concentrate on specifically drinking water. I know how I feel when I’m not getting enough liquids so it’s at that time that I’ll douse myself with some water- not just because someone tells me to drink X amount per day.
While I don’t think that eight 8 oz glasses of water a day is a bad thing to shoot for, you can put me in the myth camp. I would rather see people focus on drinking things that are good for you than limiting themselves to just water. Plus, I know that I drink a lot less when I limit myself to just water. Throw in a glass of tea or even add a little flavor to the water, and I drink so much more!
Loving the conversation from this post. It is so interesting to see everyone’s views and habits.
kyle and cathy – I do know what you mean about taste. I often like to add a little flavor either with another drink or simply lime. Ditto on the workouts.
lori – Thanks for your comment and welcome! I think knowing yourself well enough to identify if you are dehydrated is the key.
Lori,
I love water and do drink it a lot most of the time, however I have to confess that in the bitter New England winters I drink much less water than I should.
On another note, I would like to refer back to your Splenda posting.
After reading your post on Splenda, I have been alert to the sweeteners subject and recently read an article that Splenda has not been approved as safe by their equivalent of our FDA, so it is forbidden for consumption for not being safe.
Stevia is imported in Japan from Brazil since 1971 and it is widely used.
The same site said Stevia has always encountered enormous resistance in the US by the “Sugar” and “Corn Syrup” lobbies and Coca-Cola is finally fighting the FDA to allow Stevia in the US as a sweetener.
Right now it is sold in very small packages here and it is very expensive. I bought an 8oz Stevia container for 8 dollars at Trader Joe’s last week, I had to try it.
It does leave a almost not noticeable after taste, but the second day I couldn’t tell anymore, I think the aftertaste is no mild that it goes away very quickly.
I think it is worth it if the health benefits are there.
We had been heavy Splenda users since 1998, no more Splenda in home from now on.
Thank you for your eye openning post.
Ray
ray- Thanks for the sweetener update. Glad I could help. I posted about stevia a few weeks ago. Maybe the clip I have came from the same article you read. There are opposing sides about its health benefits too, but I know plenty of people who believe in it. Glad you’ve found something that works for you and your family. https://www.fakefoodfree.com/2008/10/great-sweetener-debate.html
I’m sooo with you – I love water. I drink it all the time. It’s either water or 100% fruit juice!
-DTW
http://www.everdaycookin.blogspot.com
Water is the best, and cheapest, drink. We all need it. A recent, widely published analysis shows that bottled and tap both have potential chemicals, but that shouldn’t hold you back. In the U.S., both are safe and healthy, with rare execptions.
I don’t count, but I probably drink 8 glasses per day.
Grow up with kidney problems and you learn, no tea, no cokes, no juice, only water, and a glass or more all day and by the bed every night for the rest of your life. My dentist also said that if all you drink is bottle water, then your teeth suffer from no floride as often as needed. 🙂
I’m with you – listen to your body. It always knows what it needs.
I count my many glasses of (herbal) tea a day in my liquid intake. Though I don’t aim for a specific number, I can definitely feel it when I haven’t had enough.
I’m pregnant, so I’ve been trying to increase the amount of water I drink every day. If I start early enough in the morning I can usually meet my quota for the day 😉 Thanks for this important reminder.
Juliet
http://thinkinsidetheicebox.com
Water intake is very important. 8X8 sounds like a pretty good starting point above and beyond the other fluids. It’s possible to drink too much water, void your body of electrolytes and die. Don’t pish posh me, it happened about 1 year ago during a radio contest.
Anything hydrates. That is any fluid hydrates. It helps your skin. It helps you all around. If you are thirsty, and anyone who lives in the desert will tell you this, it’s too late to drink. You must stay hydrated and drink before you are actually thirsty. So, drinking water first thing is always a good thing. And last thing before bed unless you are a bed wetter or have problems with your bladder.
darius – I am with you. Those are my go-tos also with coffee, tea and milk mixed in.
dr. hubbard – Thanks for bringing up the study. I definitely agree with you.
chef e – Very interesting perspective. Thanks for sharing. I’ve heard the floride thing too.
delightfully healthy – It is always amazing to me when I am able to recognize those cues. You are definitely right. It knows what it needs.
juliet – First congratulations! Thanks for stopping by. I have usually start early with getting mine in too.
mark – Thanks for stopping by and for your comment. Very good point, too much water and hyponatremia are possible and very serious.