How Much Water Should You Drink? [Quiz]

We’ve all heard that we should drink eight glasses of water per day. However, our bodies are very different from one another, which means that the same advice won’t apply to all of us. Right? Otherwise, why are some people walking around with a gallon of water they’re supposed to chug down by the end of the day? Do you know how much water your body needs?

Why Do We Need Water?

Our bodies are 60% water, so we mainly need it to survive. Every inch of our system needs water to work correctly, to name a few, here’s what water does for us;

• Gets rid of wastes
• Keeps body temperature normal
• Cushions and lubricates joints
• Protects sensitive tissue

When we don’t drink enough water, we face the risk of dehydration. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy levels, making you feel exhausted. Dehydration can also be the culprit of your afternoon cravings. And of course, extreme dehydration can lead to organ failure.

How to Calculate How Much Water You Should Drink

If you’re trying to get a specific number to find the amount you should drink according to your body’s unique needs, try the following steps:

• Divide your weight in pounds by 2.2
• Multiply that number by your age
• Divide that number by 28.3
• Your total is the number of ounces you should drink each day
• Divide that by eight to see the results in cups

For example, this is how it would work for me:

1. Divide the weight: 120 lbs ÷ 2.2 = 54.54
2. Multiply by age: 54.54 x 27 = 1,472
3. Divide by the number: 1,472 ÷ 28.3 = 52.03
4. Divide by the glasses: 6.5 glasses of water per day

Tips to Reach Your Daily Water Goals

At first, it can be challenging to reach your water goal every day. However, if you stick to this challenge long enough, eventually it becomes a habit. Ideally, you should reach for a glass of water anytime your body feels thirsty, whether you just had one a few minutes ago or not.

Here are some GR8 resources to help you get started:

• 8 Ways to Remind Yourself to Drink More Water
• Water Hacks to Improve your Health
• 10 Ways to Flavor your Water

With a bit of dedication and an accountability partner, you’ll be reaching your optimal water intake in no time. Remember, you can also reach your water goals by adding more fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cucumbers, lettuce, and spinach.