Are eight glasses of water necessary?

DEAR DR. GOTT: Please explain where the idea of drinking “eight glasses of water a day” comes from. I have found no logical explanation.

DEAR READER: Water makes up almost 60 percent of a person’s body weight and is vital for our well-being. It flushes toxins from the system, carries nutrients to all cells, and keeps us properly hydrated. So how much is too much?

There is no scientific basis for the amount of fluids a person should ingest. Eight glasses of water daily is simply an easy rule of thumb. The recommendation for all fluid intake is 9 cups for women and 13 cups for men. This includes coffee, tea, milk, breakfast juices, soup broth and so forth. [Read more...]