Question
How much water should I really be drinking?
Answer
Stacy Molt, MS, ATC, LAT, CSCS
The human body is made up of more than 50% water. Water helps with so many processes in the body from the cellular level to the organ level. Water flushes our body of toxins along with hydrating our organ systems to keep them running. Athletes are working their bodies harder than the average bystander by training and competing in various sporting events.
The recommended amount of water to consume is 1 ounce to 1.5 ounces per pound of body weight.
- This would equate to a 150 pound person drinking 150 ounces to 225 ounces per day.
- This would be equivalent to drinking 5 to 7 (32 ounce) hydro flasks a day.
- This is a general guideline for most athletes, but as the intensity and duration of activity increase then the amount of water consumed also needs to increase.
The weather also plays a factor in water.
- The warmer it is outside, the more we sweat, and the more we need to drink.
- The opposite is not true for cold weather. You must still consume the 1 ounce to 1.5 ounces per pound of body weight even when it is cold outside.
