The Unintended Consequence of ‘8 Glasses a Day’

The “eight glasses a day” rule has been a hydration benchmark for generations, but it has an unintended consequence: it can lead some people to drink more water than they need. A medical expert explains that for many, this amount is excessive and can lead to overhydration and its associated health risks.
Our bodies are all different, and so are our hydration needs. The kidneys are adept at managing fluids, and they function well on a total daily intake of about two to three liters, which includes moisture from food. For a sedentary person, eight glasses of water on top of other fluids could be too much.
When you consistently drink more than your body requires, you place an unnecessary burden on your kidneys. This can lead to a dilution of the blood’s sodium content, which is a critical electrolyte for nerve and muscle function.
This condition, called hyponatremia, can be serious. Symptoms can range from mild fatigue to severe confusion and seizures. It highlights the problem with a one-size-fits-all approach to health advice.
Instead of sticking to a rigid number, a more personalized approach is better. Pay attention to your thirst, your activity level, and the climate you’re in. Aiming for light yellow urine is a more reliable and individualized indicator of good hydration than counting glasses.