Not only does water make you feel full and has zero calories, but there is no added sugar to make you want to eat more.
You need water to survive. However, many people do not choose water as their preference over drinks like soda or coffee.
Drinking more water offers a number of benefits you can experience almost immediately.
“Our bodies are made up of 60 percent water,” said Jane Ziemanski, a Marshfield Clinic primary care nurse practitioner. “Water helps us maintain balance between our body fluids and is needed for digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva and maintaining a proper body temperature.”
Water also helps control calories. Not only does it make you feel full and has zero calories, but there is no added sugar to make you want to eat more.
Additionally, water can help the skin by decreasing wrinkles, fine lines and dry skin. Increasing water may help with clearing pores since water gets rid of dirt and high sugar levels that clog pores.
Weather and activity level affect hydration
At certain times of the year, you may need more water than other times, like in summer when the weather is warmer. People who exercise need more water because they sweat and lose water through skin evaporation. Muscles also need water so they don’t feel fatigued after exercise.
Certain people can’t drink as much water because of chronic conditions like congestive heart failure or renal failure. If these people drink too much, their heart can go into overload. If you have one of these conditions and you are concerned with how much water you drink, consult your primary care doctor.
Rethink your fluid choices
Not everyone makes water their first choice. Many people choose drinks high in caffeine or sugar.
“Drinks with caffeine like coffee can act as diuretic,” Ziemanski said. “So instead of absorbing fluid, you’re losing it. This increases urination or sweating and makes you even thirstier.”
Soda is another fluid that should be replaced with water. Since soda, even diet soda, has extra sugar and other ingredients, it makes you thirstier and hungrier.
When you do not get enough water
Dehydration can occur when you do not get enough water or liquids. Some signs of dehydration include cramping, increased thirst, decrease in urination and fatigue. View this chart for more information about dehydration.
“You should always have water with you,” Ziemanski said. “Whether it’s in your car or at your desk, try to replenish your system with water as much as you can.”
Related Shine365 stories
Beat the heat by staying hydrated
Sweaty skin: How to care for your skin after exercise
Sweating: How much is too much?
For folks tha crave carbonation, try La Croix Sparking Water. Has a bunch of different flavors and it will take away that Soda craving.
I think it would help if you stated how many ounces per day would be beneficial. Since glass sizes are different it would be easier to figure ounces.
Hi, Evelyn. To clarify, we consider a glass 8 ounces. In general, we recommend adults drink 64 ounces of water per day unless requiring a fluid restriction for medical reasons.
Thank you for reading Shine365. -Kirstie
I have been drinking 8 glasses of water daily which is beneficial….however, I am normally an all night sleeper and now I have to get up in the middle of the night to urinate……and I am unable to get back to sleep. A doctor told me not to drink anything after 2:00 p.m. This is not the total answer. However, also, I read that drinking two eight oz. glasses of water before bedtime decreases the possibility of night time stroke or heart attack. It always seems there is some complication no matter what I do.
You should drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day. So if you weigh 140 pounds you should drink 70 ounces. Unless you have a heart condition then speak with your doctor.
Here is an important question………………If you have bladder leakage, just how much water should you drink daily if at all, and should you being taking a diaretic (sp) for water retention ? (prescribed from cardiologist) .
Hi, Karen. Though we cannot provide individualized medical advice on this forum, we generally recommend six to eight glasses of water per day. It is best to ask your cardiologist or primary care provider questions about your prescription and how that affects urinary incontinence.
You may also find helpful our other blog stories regarding incontinence:
https://shine365.marshfieldclinic.org/wellness/incontinence-beat-the-urge/
https://shine365.marshfieldclinic.org/womens-health/stress-urinary-incontinence-can-be-managed/
https://shine365.marshfieldclinic.org/wellness/pelvic-floor-exercises/
I hope that helps, and thank you for reading Shine365. –Kirstie
Good article. I don't care for water so it is a big challenge for me to drink enough. I have gotten a little better at it, go through cancer for the 3rd time. It's just so necessary. Articles like this are great reminders. Thank you!
I'm glad you enjoyed the article, Nancy. Thank you for reading Shine365. -Kirstie
Can you ever drink to much water, if you do not have the conditions listed above?
Hi, Karen. Jane said it is rare, though possible, to drink too much water too fast. Even then, it takes gallons to be “too much.” -Kirstie
just read article on water, very intresting
will try drinking more water
I'm glad you enjoyed the article, Jim. Thank you for reading Shine365. -Kirstie