Water Consumption

[Pickled Piper]

I've read all manner of info from various sources that recommend that an adult should consume something like 2 litres of water per day. I've even read from one source that it should be nearer 4 litres! If I even attempt this I just end running to the loo every hour.

Does anyone actually consume this amount of water unless they are running a marathon or similar?

pp

[mrdelmonti]

I easily manage to drink 2 litres a day, it's really not that much when you think about it.

[bales]

I try to, to be honest if I go to the toilet and my wee isn't clear then I generally try and drink more.

It isn't that hard really, its just an excuse to get up from my desk and have a walk usually!

[james_gt3rs]

Tried it once, I was going to the toilet so much it was almost like I was drinking beer!

[bonsai]

4 litres may be possible (without having to go for a slash every 15 minutes) if you're doing a decent amount of hard exercise and sweating it out. If you drink that much but remain sedantry all day then you're probably more fish than human.

[Frankeh]

I average about 4 glasses of water (Half pints) a day.
I need to start drinking more. Does wonders for everything.

Also stops kidney stones forming.

[dubbs]

bales said:

I try to, to be honest if I go to the toilet and my wee isn't clear then I generally try and drink more.

It isn't that hard really, its just an excuse to get up from my desk and have a walk usually!

Not a bad way of doing it.

For those peeing all day - at 2 litres a day it starts off like that (or did for me) but you seem to get used to it and the body will adapt so you're not.

Interestingly your body will adapt by not retaining as much water as it now knows it will be hydrated properly hence you actually lose a little bulk. I think this must also contribute to you then not havign to run to the loo every 5 minutes as your body will then use more.

Bear in mind the body takes on water slowly... guzzling down a pint will result in very little being absorbed and most being peed out.... take a mouthful every 10 mins or similar whilst at your desk and do it that way to get best out of it. I tend to use those plastic cups from drinks machines here and ensure I don't down more than half of one of those at once.

[DR10]

I found that once my water intake was up to a decent level, I never got headaches. Couldn't imagine not having plenty of water now.

[swansea v6]

Pickled Piper said:

I've read all manner of info from various sources that recommend that an adult should consume something like 2 litres of water per day. I've even read from one source that it should be nearer 4 litres! If I even attempt this I just end running to the loo every hour.

Does anyone actually consume this amount of water unless they are running a marathon or similar?

pp

Be careful with consuming too much water as the guidelines stating we MUST drink 2 litres of water a day was slightly misunderstood. When the report was compiled, they forgot to include that we get more than 50% of our fluid intake from food itself.

Just drink what you feel is comfortable, avoid letting yourself get thirsty and keep an eye on the colour of your pee!!

[grumbledoak]

What ^^^ he said. 2L, half as solid food. Really not hard to do.

Also, tea and coffee do count, despite what some will tell you (a little knowledge being a dangerous thing).

[dubbs]

It's true. Although tea and coffee do have a mild diuretic effect.

I went through all this a few years ago when I had to prove to someone that tea and coffee do aid hydration They bet me a tenner I couldn't provide proof..

Tenner was spent on hydrating lager...

[redtwin]

4 litres a day is the norm for me, during the warmer months I drink considerably more.

I have no opinion on whether I need that much or if it is healthy or harmful, in fact I don't really care either way. I like it, so I drink it.

Edited by redtwin on Thursday 21st January 00:52

[Matt Evans]

I'll probably drink 8 pints of water throughout the course of the day, and then an extra 1.5 litres when I'm at the gym (3 or 4 times a week).

[Colonial]

3l a day here, more if I'm doing a bootcamp session in 40degree heat

[samdale]

i think im consuming at least 4 litres a day.

also, for those trying to lose weight (which i am) a pint of squash (sugar free) is a great way to fill you up for a bit

[boobles]

I drink 1 litre + about 5 cups of coffee, so does that count?

[motco]

The Myth of eight glasses

Seems to be based on a very old observation and misquoted too.

[Deva Link]

swansea v6 said:

...keep an eye on the colour of your pee!!

Keep it light straw coloured.

[grumbledoak]

Deva Link said:

Keep it light straw coloured.

It should be clear at least once a day.

And bright orange if you've just had a Berocca.

[Frankeh]

My piss is always pretty clear. But I don't think I drink that much.
Always yellow as hell in the morning though.