How many glasses of water should you really be drinking every day?
What may be news to you is that the recommendations; ½ your weight in oz, 6-8 glasses per day, before you get thirsty, and so that your pee is clear, are all based on … no. scientific. evidence.
The above guideline has spread around the world reportedly after a 1945 US Food and Nutrition Board published that humans need 2.5 L of water per day, but the myth has flown without its side note, “from all food sources”. Since no one has calculated exactly how much that is, the nice round number of 8, 8 oz glasses or 8x8 has become an easy recommendation.
It’s actually somewhere between 1-2 L of water from all food sources that is required for all adults daily. The truth is that the amount of water you need is unique to you. And a dry mouth is not a foolproof symptom of thirst.
Sure we need some general guidelines, but could we at least base them on basic human physiology?
Here are 5 facts you need to know about hydration.
- Mild dehydration can impair mood, particularly in women, skin, cognitive performance, and energy.
- We absorb water from all foods, not just plain water.
- Water is most efficiently absorbed when balanced properly with salt, a few other minerals, and the correct amounts of real sugar (yes, you read that right, and no, not the enormous amounts found in your typical sports drink).
- When we sweat, we need more water and minerals (read - salt! - among others).
- Clear pee (if you’ve been drinking a lot of water) only means you have drank a lot of water, it doesn’t mean you have absorbed it. Dark pee is a sign of dehydration, but clear pee doesn’t tell the whole story. tl;dr Urine color is a marker of fluid intake, not water absorption.
Hydration is the goal, and science-based electrolyte-balanced water is the method.
Let’s be very clear: We need water to survive, and even mild dehydration can take away from feeling present and thriving in your life. But if we are going to help you with that, we’re going to make sure it’s done right.
In a time of changing climate and water commodification, we believe it’s our duty to give you the resources to hydrate efficiently, so we can heal people and the planet together. Better water, not more water.
That’s why we made QUENCH. Science-backed hydration packed with antioxidants. Your better water solution.
