The amount of water you should drink daily varies based on factors such as age, sex, activity level, climate, and health status. General guidelines from health authorities are:
- For men: about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids per day.
- For women: about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids per day.
These amounts include all fluids consumed, including water, other beverages, and moisture from food (which typically accounts for about 20% of total fluid intake)
. Other recommendations suggest:
- The NHS recommends 6 to 8 cups (about 1.9 liters) of fluids daily, suitable for a temperate climate
- The National Academy of Medicine suggests about 13 cups (104 ounces) for men and 9 cups (72 ounces) for women daily, with higher needs for pregnant or breastfeeding women
- A practical estimate is to divide your weight in pounds by two to get the number of ounces of water you might aim for daily (e.g., 150 lbs รท 2 = 75 ounces)
Your individual needs may be higher if you:
- Live in hot, humid, or high-altitude environments.
- Are physically active or exercise regularly.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have health conditions causing fluid loss (fever, vomiting, diarrhea).
- Consume a diet high in salt, sugar, or caffeine.
Listening to your body's thirst signals and adjusting intake accordingly is also important
. In summary, while about 3.7 liters (men) and 2.7 liters (women) of fluids daily is a common recommendation, your ideal water intake depends on personal and environmental factors.
