Drinking water is very good for you in many ways, but how much should you drink?

When it comes to the classic age-old advice to drink eight cups of water a day, we generally follow it without questioning the scientific reasoning. It is after all, considered a pillar of good health.

However, have you ever stopped to consider exactly why this water intake recommendation is so universally accepted?

Health impacts of water consumption

A team of dedicated researchers from UC San Francisco sought to clarify this. They embarked on an investigative journey to understand this seemingly mundane but essential health advice.

Their mission was clear – to establish a tangible link between water consumption and health benefits, scrutinizing the evidence extensively.

Science behind the benefits of water

“For such a ubiquitous and simple intervention, the evidence hasn’t been clear and the benefits were not well-established, so we wanted to take a closer look,” the study’s senior correspondent, Benjamin Breyer, perfectly encapsulate the reasoning behind their quest.

Breyer, a distinguished professor and chair of the UCSF Department of Urology, led the team’s explorative initiative.

“The amount of rigorous research turned out to be limited, but in some specific areas, there was a statistically significant benefit,” Breyer said. “To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing the benefits of water consumption on clinical outcomes broadly.” 

Drinking eight cups of water daily

The researchers meticulously analyzed 18 randomized controlled trials and found strong evidence favoring regular water intake for preventing kidney stones and aiding weight loss.

The experts found that drinking eight cups of water a day significantly decreased the chances of kidney stones recurring.

The study also unveiled that adults who consumed about six cups of water a day experienced weight loss. However, the same did not hold true for adolescents who drank over eight cups daily.

Despite this, the authors confidently suggest that encouraging people to drink water before meals could potentially help tackle the growing issue of obesity.

Hydration and health challenges

Have frequent headaches that refuse to go away? Studies suggest you might want to consider increasing your water intake.

Adults who experienced recurrent headaches reported feeling better after three months of increased water consumption.

For patients grappling with diabetes and elevated blood glucose levels, an additional four cups of water a day seemed to help manage their condition.

Women plagued by recurrent urinary tract infections also saw benefits – increased water consumption resulted in fewer infections and extended the time between them.

Let’s not overlook the young adults who wrestle with low blood pressure issues. Their ailment appeared to be significantly alleviated by drinking more water.

“We know that dehydration is detrimental, particularly in someone with a history of kidney stones or urinary infections,” said Breyer.

Some may benefit from less water

For someone suffering from frequent urination, a decrease in water intake could possibly help. As Breyer pointed out, there isn’t a one size fits all approach for water consumption.

In essence, we need to pay attention to our body’s individual needs to determine the optimal level of water intake.

We certainly can’t ignore the importance of hydration for our health, and this study highlights that fact.

Hydration myths and misconceptions

While the benefits of staying hydrated are well-documented, several myths about hydration continue to circulate.

One common misconception is that everyone needs precisely eight cups of water daily, regardless of individual factors such as age, activity level, or climate.

Experts clarify that hydration needs vary widely, with some individuals requiring more or less water based on their unique circumstances.

Another myth is that only water counts toward hydration. Beverages like tea, coffee, and milk, as well as water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, contribute significantly to overall fluid intake.

This flexibility can make staying hydrated less daunting, especially for those who struggle to drink plain water.

Lastly, while sports drinks are often marketed as essential for hydration, they are typically unnecessary for the average person unless engaging in prolonged, intense physical activity.

For most, water or natural alternatives suffice to maintain a healthy balance. Understanding these nuances can help individuals make more informed decisions about their hydration habits, promoting better overall health without falling prey to misleading claims.

The full study was published in the journal JAMA Network Open.

—–

Like what you read? Subscribe to our newsletter for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates. 

Check us out on EarthSnap, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

—–