You’ve probably heard this a thousand times: Drink 8 glasses of water a day. While an age-old recommendation for healthy living, it actually rests on shaky scientific ground. Experts regard it as somewhat antiquated, probably misinterpreted from research outlining daily fluid requirements, including water from food sources and other beverages. Truth Behind the 8 Glass Water a day Rule and Health Experts Confirms.

Truth Behind the 8 Glass Water a day Rule

Your actual requirements differ from one person to another. Body size, activity level, climate, and even diet all contribute to the amount of water an individual should drink. An exercise enthusiast working under grueling heat may need a lot more than eight glasses, whereas a sedentary person in a cooler region may need less.

Your body is quite intelligent, and it does send some signals when it needs water. Thirst, dark yellow urine, dry mouth, rugged tiredness, and headaches-all these are symptoms of dehydration. Listening to your body is far more effective than sticking to some arbitrary number.

Food Counts, Too, Along with Other Beverages

Did you know that food accounts for about 20% to 30% of your daily water intake? Fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cucumber, orange, and tomato are all water-rich. Even beverages like tea, coffee, and milk contribute to hydration, though they aren’t as good of an option as pure water.

ALSO READ: Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids: Weekly Planner

So, to What Extent Should You Drink Water?

There is no universal answer to this. Health experts recommend sipping water throughout the day rather than forcing down large amounts at once.

A good guideline is: if you’re urinating pale yellow, you’re probably well-hydrated.

Don’t stress about hitting eight glasses; just pay attention to your body, eat foods that contain a lot of water, and drink when you are thirsty. It’s important to stay hydrated, but it shouldn’t become something so complicated.

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