JoeK wrote:
The "8 a day" has been around for some time and medical folks say that's a good place to start to bring your body up to ideal hydration..
JoeK - That is correct. It is a good place to start. I have had many medical professionals state that the ideal water intake should be 1oz of water for every pound you weigh. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink 75oz of water daily.
A couple of other things to weigh in on this conversation.
1. Caffeine is a diatetic. Which basically means it helps you urinate more often. So, if you drink a lot of coffee - you will end up going to the bathroom more.
2. Coffee does have a laxative effect in a lot of people I know. I don't know of any medical studies on this one though.
3. I am not sure if there has been a study on the effects of artificial sweeteners either. I know of some people who have troubles with certain ones.
4. It has also long been known that activity that enduces persperation will reduce the amount of urination a person will have. That is why when people are out in the heat it is recommended to drink more water to avoid dehydration.
Now, given all that, I try to drink more water in general. One because I am trying to lose weight and two because it is healthier. I maybe have one soda weekly at most and then I try to go for a natural root soda with cane sugar instead of artificial sweeteners. I drink a few cups of coffee daily but try to stick with water for the most part.