Expert Answers to Readers' Questions
How much water do I need to drink each day?
Water is an essential nutrient, but the amount of water we need each day is not set in stone. We obtain water from all beverages, including those with caffeine or alcohol, as well as from foods, such as soup, fruit, or cooked grains. The Institute of Medicine has set the adequate intake of water from beverages and foods at around 90 ounces a day for women and around 125 ounces a day for men. But some individuals may require more or less, depending on their level of physical activity or the climate. Since people typically obtain about 80 percent of their water from beverages and 20 percent of their water from foods, that means women generally need to drink roughly 9 8-oz. glasses of water or other beverages each day, and men need to drink roughly 12 8-oz. glasses of water or other beverages each day.