Water?

I've always heard that water was good for you, and you should drink about 8-10 glasses a day, but I never really knew why other then to keep yourself from dehydration - are there any other benefits of drinking lots of water?

Your body basically needs it for everything. It supports your metabolism (hence helps you lose weight), improves concentration, helps your skin... I could go on. Also, often when we think we're hungry we're actually misinterpreting thirst (most people are dehydrated and don't know it) so it actually reduces appetite.

Btw,  the 8-10 glasses a day thing is not so correct.  You should drink when you're thirsty.  Drinking a set amount of water regardless of thirst can lead to medical problems.

Original Post by kisteel:

Btw,  the 8-10 glasses a day thing is not so correct.  You should drink when you're thirsty.  Drinking a set amount of water regardless of thirst can lead to medical problems.

 What kind of medical problems??

I think the most common would be kidney problems from processing all of the water.

http://drbenkim.com/drink-too-much-water-dang erous.html

http://www.snopes.com/medical/myths/8glasses. asp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_intoxicati on

yup, the 8 to 10 glasses thing is pretty vague.  when your body needs water you get thirsty, when your thirsty you drink. pretty simple.

Kisteel, I agree with you.  I drink lots of water, but probably not what is recommended since I think I get plenty from the other nutrients I consume.  I drink when I'm thirsty.  That's it.  I only drink water when I'm thirsty.  Otherwise I'm perfectly happy drinking my 3 or 4 - 8oz glasses of water a day and getting the rest of my "water" from the foods I eat.  I think it would be more appropriate to change the term to "drink fluids".  I know, here comes an argument from many; too bad, I'm a big girl and can take the flack.  Bring it on

Ok, the 6-8 glasses of water is a bit arbitrary. I've never seen anyone give me a good reason for that amount of water other than that it is "common knowledge", and no matter what anyone says, water from foods definitly count too.

However, it is crucial to get enough water, seeing how you're about 70% water and everything your body does needs water to work. Although it is possible to drink too much water, that is very difficult to do, and something that the average person doesn't really have to deal with. Most of the time, water intoxication happens to marathon runnurs who drink so much water that it causes a sodium imbalance ('cause when you sweat, you lose salt too, so at that point, sports drinks are useful).

Also, thirst isn't the best indicator, at least if you're being active, or are planning to workout later in the day. It helps a lot to be very hydrated if you want to get an effective workout in. Also, it can be difficult to distinguish thirst from hunger, so if you start feeling hungry, have a glass of water and see if the feeling subsides.

Original Post by kisteel:

Btw,  the 8-10 glasses a day thing is not so correct.  You should drink when you're thirsty.  Drinking a set amount of water regardless of thirst can lead to medical problems.

 THANK YOU,  THANK YOU!!!!   I cannot drink or eat anything if I don't feel the need to!   I believe that's why we feel thirsty.  Foods have water content, also and we sometimes forget that.  I could never drink 100 oz of water - as prescribed somewhere..! 

I did some research on this just yesterday.  The best indicator seems to be if your urine is clear or slightly yellow, you are doing fine.

For a man, the suggestions are between 65-100 ounces a day of fluids plus the water in the foods you eat.  I am shooting for 100 a day.

I have heard many doctors and others say that if you wait to drink until your thirsty, you are to late and you are already partially dehydrated.

Though water is very important, you all are correct in that one can take in too much water.   If you have a health problem which causes you to retain fluid then too much water can be difficulty to get rid of.  Those that have heart or kidney problems should consult their physician about the amount of fluid that should be consumed.  Also, a great indication of need for increase in fluids is if one's urine is a dark yellow with a strong odor to it - then the body is dehydrated.  If the skin has poor skin turgor and is extreamly dry, one might want to look at his or her fluid intake.  Fluids can be obtained from foods, popiciles, juices, etc.  Adequate intake is often indicated by the great desire for that Drink of something.

Of course, all fluids are not created equally (smile), in that caffeinated drinks have been known to cause diuresis (out-pouring of fluid) but it has been recorded to contribute to uterine fibroids, headaches, nervousness, increased heart rate and a vairety of other medical problems.