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This is true. The common advice to drink eight glasses of water a day is not based on strong scientific evidence. It likely comes from a 1945 recommendation that was often misunderstood. There is no proof that bottled water companies invented this specific rule. Your body usually tells you when you need water through thirst, which is a good guide for most healthy adults. You also get water from food and other drinks.
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Water, drinks and your health
The Eatwell Guide says you should drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluid a day. Water, lower-fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count. This is a general guide, and individual needs can vary.
How much water do you need every day?
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is: About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men. About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women. These recommendations cover fluids from water, other beverages and food. About 20% of daily fluid intake usually comes from food.
Drink eight glasses of water a day? Your body knows best
The recommendation to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day — the '8x8 rule' — is not supported by strong scientific evidence. While staying hydrated is important, listening to your body's thirst cues is generally sufficient for most healthy individuals. This guideline likely originated from a misinterpreted 1945 recommendation by the Food and Nutrition Board.
Is the '8 glasses of water a day' rule a myth?
The '8 glasses of water a day' rule is a widely accepted guideline, but it is not a strict medical requirement. While staying hydrated is crucial, the exact amount of water needed varies by individual factors like activity level, climate, and health. There is no evidence to suggest this rule was invented by bottled water companies.
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"Did you know that you don't actually need 8 glasses of water a day? That's just a myth invented by bottled water companies to sell more product! Your body tells you when you're thirsty."
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