how much water should a person drink a day

how much water should a person drink a day

4 hours ago 4
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A general guideline for daily water intake is about 3.7 liters (15.5 cups) of fluids for men and 2.7 liters (11.5 cups) for women. This includes all fluids consumed, such as water, beverages like tea or juice, and moisture from food, which typically accounts for about 20% of total intake

. The amount of water a person needs can vary based on several factors including:

  • Climate and environment (hot, humid, or high altitude areas increase needs)
  • Physical activity level (more active people require more fluids)
  • Diet (high salt, spicy, or caffeinated foods and drinks can increase water loss)
  • Health conditions (fever, infections, diabetes, or medication use)
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding (increased fluid requirements)

Some health authorities recommend aiming for 6 to 8 cups (about 1.5 to 2 liters) of fluids daily as a baseline, but this can be adjusted according to individual needs

. Drinking too much water can be harmful, potentially leading to water intoxication, which affects sodium balance and can cause serious health issues, but this typically requires consuming excessive amounts (e.g., more than 8-10 liters in a short time)

. In summary, a healthy adult should generally drink around 2.7 to 3.7 liters of fluids daily, adjusted for personal factors and lifestyle, to maintain proper hydration and health

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