“Drink enough water” – it’s something we often hear in daily life. 

Sometimes we hear it from others, but most of the time it’s our own body telling us. 
Hydration is an essential factor for sustaining life. 

Why is that, and how much water do we actually need?
Water, together with oxygen, forms the foundation of life. About 50–70% of the human body is made up of water.
The necessity of daily hydration: Why is water intake important?

Drinking enough water improves bodily functions. Vitamins, carbohydrates, and proteins are properly broken down, enzyme activity becomes smooth, nutrients are delivered to cells, and toxins are expelled. In addition, the immune system is strengthened, the skin radiates, mood improves overall, and hydration is also related to temperature regulation, muscle growth, and fat burning.

So, how much water should you drink in a day? 
For adults, 1.5–2 liters (50–68 ounces) of fluid are lost daily through breathing, digestion, and sweating. Even when not active, the body continuously loses fluids, so it is essential to replenish the disappeared 1.5–2 liters (50–68 ounces). Athletes and people living in hot climates need to consume even more water.

Age, body weight, and lifestyle all affect the amount of water intake needed for adults, children, and the elderly. Medical conditions also play a significant role, as do eating habits. For example, vegetarians and people who consume a lot of fruits and vegetables obtain part of their required water from food.
How much water should you drink in a day?

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According to research institutions, the general guideline for healthy adults is about 35 ml (1.2 ounces) of water per 1 kg (2.2 pounds) of body weight. 

This means that if you weigh 50 kg (110 lbs), 60 kg (132 lbs), 70 kg (154 lbs), or 80 kg (176 lbs), the required intake is approximately 1.7 liters (57 ounces), 2.1 liters (71 ounces), 2.4 liters (81 ounces), and 2.8 liters (95 ounces) respectively. In other words, the more you weigh, the more water your body needs.

But can you drink unlimited amounts of water without worry?
Drinking too much water is just as harmful as drinking too little. The recommended intake means an amount that does not place strain on the kidneys or the heart.

Daily water intake also varies depending on age, diet, activity level, and climate. For example, a child who spends their day actively playing outside needs more water than one lying in bed or reading quietly. Still, regardless of activity levels, a healthy child is recommended to drink around 1.1 liters (37 ounces) of water daily, even if they don’t feel thirsty.

For the elderly, the natural sense of thirst decreases, leading to lower water consumption. This can contribute to cardiovascular problems or weakened immunity. To prevent dehydration, which can be life-threatening, seniors are advised to drink at least 1.5 liters (50 ounces) of water per day.
What should you drink?

The answer is simple and clear: water. Clean, fresh water without additives is the most ideal choice.

Drinks like lemonade, cola, and juice contain sugar and artificial sweeteners. Before the body can perform its necessary functions, it must first process and expel these chemical additives. As a result, the acids or phosphates added to such beverages actually increase the amount of water your body needs.