The general daily water intake recommendations vary slightly depending on the source, but here are the key guidelines:
- For men, about 3.7 liters (approximately 15.5 cups) of fluids per day is recommended.
- For women, about 2.7 liters (approximately 11.5 cups) of fluids per day is recommended.
These amounts include all fluids consumed, not just plain water, and also account for water obtained from food and other beverages like tea and coffee
. Other guidelines suggest:
- The NHS recommends 6 to 8 cups (about 1.9 to 2 liters) of fluids daily, suitable for temperate climates
- The National Academy of Medicine suggests about 13 cups (104 ounces) for men and 9 cups (72 ounces) for women daily
- The Dutch institute Voedingscentrum and others recommend about 1.5 to 2 liters of fluid per day on average, depending on individual factors
Factors that influence your water needs include:
- Physical activity level (more exercise requires more water)
- Environmental temperature (hotter climates increase water needs)
- Overall health and medications
- Age and body size
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (higher needs)
Drinking too much water is possible but rare; excessive intake can lead to water intoxication, which is dangerous
. In summary, aiming for about 2.7 liters (11.5 cups) for women and 3.7 liters (15.5 cups) for men daily, including all fluids, is a good general guideline, adjusted based on personal factors and lifestyle
