If you are concerned about your daily water intake, your
worries may be unwarranted. A new study has found that most Americans are
taking in a healthy amount of water every day.
Data collected between 2009 and 2012 for the U.S. National
Health Nutrition Examination Survey showed that the average adult man consumes
approximately 117 ounces of water each day, or just over 14 cups. The average
adult woman takes in about 93 ounces each day, or about 12 cups.
Kirsten Herrick and Asher Rosinger from the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention led the study. Herrick and Rosinger stated that
in 2004, the recommended daily water intake was 125 ounces for adult men and 91
ounces. Their study’s findings prove that the average American adult more than
meets these standards on a daily basis.
The study did note that not all of the water intake came
from plain drinking water. The study’s data showed that about 30 percent of
men’s daily water intake came from plain water, and 34 percent of women’s
intake came from plain water. The remaining fluid intake is a result of other
liquids, like coffee, sodas, and juices, and some comes from food.
Antonella Apicella, a nutritionist from New York City’s
Lenox Hill Hospital cautioned that while drinks like soda and juice can provide
some of the body’s required water intake, these beverages contain considerably
more calories than plain drinking water. Reliance on these drinks as the main
form of hydration can lead to weight gain and other health complications. The
best and healthiest way to hydrate is through plain water.
The study noted differences in water intake across various
demographic groups. Adults over the age of 60 generally consume less water than
their younger counterparts. The study also found that white adults showed
greater water intake than black or Hispanic adults. Physical activity was also
a factor: as a person’s activity levels increased, so did their water intake.
Dana Angelo White, a sports dietitian and professor at
Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, stated that hydration needs are different
for each person. She says her usual baseline recommendation for water intake is
to consume half your weight in ounces. This number should increase if you
regularly exercise.
However, just as not drinking enough water can be a problem,
over-hydrating can also be dangerous, Apicella warned. Over-hydration can
result in hyponatremia, or low blood sodium concentration.
When hydrating, do
your best to keep track of how much plain water you drink and supply your body
with plenty of electrolytes.
