Latest news with #waterintake
CNET
5 days ago
- General
- CNET
Summer Hydration: Your Daily Water Requirements Guide
There is a lot to love about the summer months but it is also a time when you have to be more aware of your water bottle. In the hot weather, you're more likely to sweat, which means your body's water levels are more likely to be depleted. But exactly how much water should you be drinking? Should you follow the "eight glasses a day" advice or is that a hydration myth? To get to the bottom of what our water consumption should look like this summer, we talked with a registered dietitian. "The 8x8 rule can be a bit oversimplified for some but it's also not necessarily dangerous," says Renee Fitton, registered dietitian and director of education at L-Nutra, a nutrition technology company. Rather than using specific guidelines across the board, you can instead focus on straightforward habits that can help you get more water into your daily routine. How much water should you drink every day? Fitton says various factors affect how much water one needs daily, including body size, medications, gender, physical activity, climate, health status and altitude. Most of us are also familiar with the old adage: Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. The eight-by-eight rule guides us to drink 64 ounces (about 1.9 liters) of water each day. Many of us have blindly followed this advice for our entire lives, not knowing where it came from or why we need eight glasses of water. Getty Images Apparently, the eight-by-eight rule came out of a void, because there's no scientific evidence to back it up. It's just another of those long-standing myths people believe because that's what everyone believes. Drinking 64 ounces of water daily isn't bad but it could be too much or not enough for some people. "For some people, simple rules like these help them stay on track. If drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day helps someone hit their hydration goals, then it's a fine starting point. But I wouldn't call it the gold standard," says Fitton. Other guidelines exist but there's still no true consensus. There's no formal recommendation for how much water people should drink daily, perhaps because everyone needs different amounts of water. An "adequate intake" of water for adult men and women does exist but it can vary from person to person. This adequate intake includes water from non-water beverages, such as milk, sports drinks, tea and yes, even coffee. It also includes water from fruits, vegetables and other foods (think of how much water goes into a bowl of oats or soup). The adequate intake is 15.5 cups (3.7 liters or 125 ounces) for average men and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters or 91 ounces) for average women. How you choose to consume these 125 or 91 ounces of fluid is up to you. Although this is the closest figure we have to a recommended daily intake, even these numbers differ for each person based on their health condition. Reasons why you may need to drink more water Getty Images You have an active job: Those on the go all day (especially folks who work outdoors) may need more water than most people. The more you move, the more you sweat, and you should replace lost water (and electrolytes) through fluid intake. If you are working outside during a heat wave, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends drinking 8 ounces (1 cup) of water every 15 to 20 minutes during work. Drinking water before and after work can help prevent dehydration. You exercise often: If you don't have an active job but you do exercise a lot -- whether in the gym or through recreational activities -- you also need more water than most. Even if you don't realize it, you lose a lot of fluids during physical activity (even in cold weather). Up your water intake to account for activity (especially travel activity). You live in a hot climate: Hot weather means increased sweating and replacing the lost fluid is important. Dryness compounds fluid loss in hot weather -- people in desert climates may need more water than those in tropical climates. You're pregnant or breastfeeding: Pregnant women need more water to encourage improved circulation, increased calorie intake and other physiological processes that support their baby's growth. Breastfeeding women need extra water to support breast milk production. Your urine is dark in color: The color of your urine can tell you a lot about your hydration levels. "The color of your urine is the best and most personalized, consistent and immediate way to measure hydration throughout the day. We want to look for light yellow pee, not fully clear (over-hydrated) but also not deep yellow or amber (under-hydrated)," says Fitton. You have a dry mouth, chapped lips or muscle cramps: Yep, when you are dehydrated your body will let you know. "Water is such a critical substance for life so when we're lacking, our body will no longer work at its peak capacity and this can persist in many ways and uniquely from one person to another," Fitton says. Hydration hacks to help you drink more water Getty Images Different people follow different rules for hydrating. These four common guidelines can help you stay hydrated no matter your lifestyle. Drink when you're thirsty There's some controversy surrounding this method. Some health professionals say you shouldn't overcomplicate hydration and your body tells you when it needs water. Others say waiting until you're thirsty is waiting too long -- that you're already dehydrated when you feel thirsty. Some people seem to have stronger thirst mechanisms than others so this method may not work for you. Drink a glass before meals and between meals This isn't bad advice. Structuring water intake around a ritual like mealtime can ingrain hydration as a habit. Your total water intake will vary depending on how many meals you eat. If you eat three meals, you'll drink five glasses of water according to this rule, which may not be enough (unless they're big glasses). This rule probably won't work for you if you don't have a routine eating pattern. Drink eight glasses daily Generic health advice rarely works for everyone. If you feel adequately hydrated on 64 ounces of water each day, then that amount is likely sufficient to keep you hydrated. If you feel overly hydrated (clear urine, very frequent urination or swelling), cut back slightly. If you feel dehydrated (dark urine, headaches, infrequent urination, lightheaded or fatigue), eight glasses may not be enough for you. Drink half your body weight in ounces This is a simple guideline that's easy to remember and usually easy to achieve. If you weigh 150 pounds, aim to drink 75 ounces of water each day. This is the only rule of thumb that accounts for different body sizes but it doesn't account for thirst, climate, activity level or other factors. Make water visible and accessible Fitton says that keeping your water accessible at all times provides a visual reminder to drink water. She also recommends using an app like WaterMinder that sends daily reminders to drink water. Pair your water intake with your daily habits Another great way to get your daily water intake is to make drinking water part of your daily habits. This can look like drinking water right when you wake up, after eating a meal or right before you leave the house. "These mini habits build on things you already do, so you're not trying to remember to do something new. The more you tie hydration into your daily routine, the easier it becomes," says Fitton. Experiment with hydration techniques to find what works for you. As long as you're not battling chronic fatigue, lightheadedness, headaches or other signs of dehydration, you are probably doing a pretty good job. As a failsafe, you can always determine whether you are under or overhydrated based on the color of your urine.
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
SodaStream UK review: I tested out the cult-classic drinks maker now slashed by nearly 50%
THE SodaStream has stood the test of time, surviving over a century since its founding in 1903. It's come a long way since then — these days, sparkling water is just one of many perks offered by the sleek devices. 5 SodaStream Art, £139.99 £74.99 from Amazon BUY HERE However, something that hasn't improved over time is my ability to drink any more than a sip of tea a day. So, in a bid to up my water intake by making it more interesting, I've decided to do a SodaStream review (with the added benefit that I could also use it to make cocktails). I reviewed the sparkling water maker to see if it lives up to the hype, whether it's worth the investment and if the novelty would help me to increase my abysmal water intake. Pros Super easy set up One gas canister makes 60 litres of soda water You can decide how carbonated you want the water Money-saving investment Convenient for summer gatherings, BBQs, etc Helps you to stay on top of your water intake Cons Slightly expensive when not on sale Rating: 9.5/10 How I tested the SodaStream 5 I tested the SodaStream by assessing how easy it was to set up, and how convenient and cost-effective it is compared to bulk-buying sparkling water. I evaluated the efficiency of creating different levels of carbonation and whether I could genuinely tell the difference when using it to make cocktails and other drinks. At Sun Shopping, it's our job to ensure we test everything thoroughly to provide a fair review, helping you to decide on purchases you've been pondering. SodaStream review: Quickfire Q&A How much is the SodaStream? On Amazon, the SodaStream Terra has been reduced from £109.99 to £57.11, a whopping 48% off, with the Art model slashed to £74.99. You can find further discounts on the SodaStream site. Who's it best for? Anyone looking to increase their water intake, or for regular hosts who continually end up buying soda water for parties or gatherings. What we loved: How easy it was to set up! I took one look at the gas canister and panicked, but it was extremely simple to assemble. I also love that you can determine how fizzy you want your water by holding the lever down for more or less time. What we didn't I really struggled to think of a con — the only thing I can think of is that it can't be packed away easily, but even then, it looks nice on a countertop and is far from an eyesore. SodaStream review: The Nitty Gritty First impressions 5 SodaStream Art, £139.99 £74.99 from Amazon BUY HERE Straight off the bat, the SodaStream was extremely easy to set up and comes with a very simple, clearly laid-out instruction manual. The machine itself feels lightweight but not cheap, and can easily be assembled by one person. I lifted it straight out of the box, opened up the back compartment, took the cap off the carbonated canister and clicked it into place. I then gave the bottle a little rinse, filled it with water up to the line, and inserted it into the front — and you're ready to go! Once everything is in place, I simply pulled the lever down to carbonate the water. 5 BUY HERE The lever can be held down for between one and five seconds to suit your carbonation preference. This makes it ideal for parties or last-minute gatherings, as the whole process (from unboxing to carbonation) took quite literally minutes. Does it deliver? The SodaStream delivered on all fronts. From price to easy assembly, the whole process was straightforward, and it even looks sleek on my countertop. SodaStream Art, £139.99 £74.99 from Amazon BUY HERE Most importantly, it did what I wanted it to do, which was to make me drink more water throughout the day, and my friends have commented on the SodaStream bottle now permanently planted by my side. How much is the SodaStream? There are various SodaStream models available. The Art retails at £139.99 on Amazon but is currently on sale for £74.99. The Terra model usally retails at £109.99 but has also been slashed by nearly 50% and is now £56.99 on Amazon. In the long run, the SodaStream is an investment; one CO2 canister creates 60 litres of sparkling water and cashes in at £12.99, equating to 20p per litre. Across major supermarket own brands, a bottle of soda water will set you back around 85p, working out at £51 per 60 litres compared to SodaStream's £12.99. At the higher end of the scale, one litre of Schweppes soda water from major supermarkets costs around £1.80, equating to £108 per 60 litres — more than eight times more expensive than SodaStream. Where to buy a SodaStream You can buy the SodaStream directly from the brand's site, or alternatively it's available at a range of retailers, including: SodaStream has a sale on site at the moment and on top of this the brand is offering 10% off when you sign up to the newsletter, as well as an extra £5 off Art Bundles with code EXTRA 5. SodaStream alternatives There are several alternatives to the SodaStream. SodaStream rivals.
CNET
12-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
These Hydration Hacks Will Make You Forget You Ever Hated Water
Drinking enough water sounds easy, but figuring out how much you actually need each day can get confusing fast. Some people stick to the old "eight glasses a day" rule, while others say you should drink half your body weight in ounces. So which one's right? To sort it out, we talked to a registered dietitian. Whether you're hitting the gym, working from home or just trying to avoid that afternoon slump, staying hydrated plays a bigger role in your health than you might think. Here's what you really need to know about getting your water intake right. "The 8x8 rule can be a bit oversimplified for some, but it's also not necessarily dangerous," says Renee Fitton, registered dietitian and director of education at L-Nutra, a nutrition technology company. Instead of depending on exact guidelines for your water goals, you should use simple, daily habits to add more water into your routine. To help you get the water you need, Fitton provides the following tips. How much water should you drink each day? Fitton says various factors play a role in how much water one needs daily, including body size, medications, gender, physical activity, climate, health status and altitude. Most of us are also familiar with the old adage: Drink eight glasses of water at 8 ounces daily. The eight-by-eight rule guides us to drink 64 ounces (about 1.9 liters) of water each day. Many of us have blindly followed this advice for our entire lives, not knowing where it came from or why we need eight glasses of water. Getty Images Apparently, the eight-by-eight rule came out of a void, because there's no scientific evidence to back it up. It's just another of those long-standing myths people believe because that's what everyone believes. Drinking 64 ounces of water daily isn't bad, but it could be too much or not enough for some people. "For some people, simple rules like these help them stay on track. If drinking eight 8oz glasses of water a day helps someone hit their hydration goals, then it's a fine starting point. But I wouldn't call it the gold standard", says Fitton. Other guidelines exist, but there's still no true consensus. There's no formal recommendation for how much water people should drink daily, perhaps because everyone needs different amounts of water. An "adequate intake" of water for adult men and women does exist, but it can vary from person to person. This adequate intake includes water from non-water beverages, such as milk, sports drinks, tea and yes, even coffee. It also includes water from fruits, vegetables and other foods (think of how much water goes into a bowl of oats or soup). The adequate intake is 15.5 cups (3.7 liters or 125 ounces) for average men and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters or 91 ounces) for average women. How you choose to consume these 125 or 91 ounces of fluid is up to you. Although this is the closest figure we have to a recommended daily intake, even these numbers differ for each person based on their health condition. You might need more water if... Getty Images You have an active job: Those on the go all day (especially folks who work outdoors) may need more water than most people. The more you move, the more you sweat, and you should replace lost water (and electrolytes) through fluid intake. If you are working outside during a heat wave, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends drinking 8 ounces (1 cup) of water every 15 to 20 minutes during work. Drinking water both before and after work can help prevent dehydration. You exercise often: If you don't have an active job but you do exercise a lot -- whether in the gym or through recreational activities -- you also need more water than most. Even if you don't realize it, you lose lots of fluids during physical activity (even in cold weather). Up your water intake to account for activity (especially travel activity). You live in a hot climate: Hot weather means increased sweating and replacing the lost fluid is important. Dryness compounds fluid loss in hot weather -- people in desert climates may need more water than those in tropical climates. You're pregnant or breastfeeding: Pregnant women need more water to encourage improved circulation, increased calorie intake, and other physiological processes that support their baby's growth. Breastfeeding women need extra water to support breast milk production. Your pee is dark in color: The color of your pee can tell you a lot about your hydration levels. "The color of your urine is the best and most personalized, consistent and immediate way to measure hydration throughout the day. We want to look for light yellow pee, not fully clear (over-hydrated) but also not deep yellow or amber (under-hydrated)", says Fitton. You have a dry mouth, chapped lips or muscle cramps: Yep, when you are dehydrated, your body will let you know. "Water is such a critical substance for life, so when we're lacking, our body will no longer work at its peak capacity, and this can persist in many ways, and uniquely from one person to another," Fitton explains. Simple hydration hacks Getty Images Different people follow different rules for hydrating. These four common guidelines can help you stay hydrated no matter your lifestyle. Drink when you're thirsty There's some controversy surrounding this method. Some health professionals say you shouldn't overcomplicate hydration and your body tells you when it needs water. Others say waiting until you're thirsty is waiting too long -- that you're already dehydrated when you feel thirsty. Some people seem to have stronger thirst mechanisms than others, so this method may or may not work for you. Drink a glass before meals and between meals This isn't bad advice. Structuring water intake around a ritual like mealtime can ingrain hydration as a habit. Your total water intake will vary depending on how many meals you eat. If you eat three meals, you'll drink five glasses of water according to this rule, which may not be enough (unless they're big glasses). This rule probably won't work for you if you don't have a routine eating pattern. Drink eight glasses daily Generic health advice rarely works for everyone. If you feel adequately hydrated on 64 ounces of water each day. If you feel overly hydrated (clear pee, very frequent urination or swelling), cut back slightly. If you feel dehydrated (dark pee, headaches, infrequent urination, lightheaded or fatigue), eight glasses may not be enough for you. Drink half your body weight in ounces This is a simple guideline that's easy to remember and usually easy to achieve. If you weigh 150 pounds, aim to drink 75 ounces of water each day. This is the only rule of thumb that accounts for different body sizes, but it doesn't account for thirst, climate, activity level or other factors. Make water visible and accessible Fitton explains that keeping your water accessible at all times provides a visual reminder to drink water. She also recommends using an app like WaterMinder that sends daily reminders to drink water. Pair your water intake with your daily habits Another great way to get your daily water intake is to make drinking water part of your daily habits. This can look like drinking water right when you wake up, after eating a meal or right before you leave the house. "These mini habits build on things you already do, so you're not trying to remember to do something new. The more you tie hydration into your daily routine, the easier it becomes," says Fitton. Experiment with hydration techniques to find what works for you. As long as you're not battling chronic fatigue, lightheadedness, headaches or other signs of dehydration, you are probably doing a pretty good job. As a failsafe, you can always determine whether you are under or overhydrated based on the color of your urine.
