Conventional wisdom says we should drink 8 glasses of 8 oz a day. Since we are all different sizes and live different lifestyles, a more individualized approach will serve you better.
Why hydration matters
Water is something we need to live. Our body will not optimally function without it. Water has been shown to:
- Help lubricate joints and body tissues. Hydrated muscles just move better.
- Aid in waste elimination.
- Increase lipolysis — meaning it helps your body be more efficient at burning fat.
How much should you drink?
Aim for 0.5 to 1 oz of water for each pound of body weight. So if you weigh 150 lbs, drink between 75 and 150 oz of water per day.
If you have a more sedentary job and lifestyle, closer to 0.5 oz is fine. If you regularly engage in intense exercise like CrossFit, aim closer to 1 oz. Make sure you are also consuming electrolytes (including salt) so that your body is able to absorb the water.
If you haven’t been drinking this much before, you might feel like you are going to the bathroom all day long. That will decrease after a few days as your body adjusts. And you will start feeling better giving your body the hydration it needs.