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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics
Diet
You've heard it forever: "Drink 8 glasses of water a day." But where did that even come from?
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Truth is, everyone's water needs are different. Age, activity, food, weather, all of it play a role.
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The "8-glasses" idea? It started from a 1945 recommendation that I forgot to mention most of that water comes from food.
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Fruits, vegetables, and soups all contain water. Even coffee and tea count toward your total. Not just plain water from a glass.
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You're probably hydrated if you're not always thirsty, your pee's light yellow, or you don't feel sluggish or dizzy.
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Hot day? Working out? Sick? You'll need extra fluids. Listen to your body; it's smarter than any rule.
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Yes, you can drink too much water. It messes with sodium levels and can be dangerous. Balance is key.
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Carry a bottle, sip often, don't chug, eat juicy foods, don't wait until you're super thirsty.
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If you're not thirsty and you feel fine, there's no need to stress over numbers. Hydration doesn't have to mean chugging gallons daily.
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You don't have to drink exactly 8 glasses. Just drink when you're thirsty, eat water-rich foods, and pay attention to your body.
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