How much water is the right amount?

Water is essential to good health, yet needs vary by individual.Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years, but in truth, your water needs depend on many factors, including your health, how active you are and where you live.

Although no single formula fits everyone, knowing more about your body's need for fluids will help you estimate how much water to drink each day.

How much water do you need in a day - eight glasses or one litre? Do I drink one litre when I wake up? If I drink more than that, will I get water retention? Is there such a thing as too much water? It's time we set the facts straight. How much water does your body need? We look at the guidelines for the right amount of water intake for you.

According to research women need two and half litres of water while men need three and half litres of water. BUT, there are some criteria:

-You have to take into account the liquids from beverages and foods.
-If it's a hot sweaty day, you need more than this amount.
-If you're pregnant, exercising, sweating or vomiting you need more than the 3 litres of water.

Water makes up more than half of your body weight and it is essential to drink the recommended glasses of water to avoid dehydration and for the normal functioning of the body. It is also a well known fact that drinking the recommended daily intake of water can reduce the chances of heart disease and kidney problems. Drinking the right amount of water can also help the body regulate temperature and avoid dehydration.

It is well known fact that water intake should be increased along with increased levels of exercise, sport or physical exertion. The body loses 2.5 percent of body water every day, and this rate goes up with exercise and sport. The daily water intake calculator factors in the daily activity level to counter the body water lost during exercise. It is recommended that you drink 16 ounces of water for every pound of body weight lost during exercise. Many people do not know that it is essential to drink the recommended daily amount of water while going through weight loss or while dieting. The reason for this is that the liver requires water to metabolize body fat.

Thirst may be an indicator that your body needs water, but the best signal that is 100 percent foolproof is your urine. If it's translucent or has a tinge of yellow, your body is hydrated, if it is bright yellow, drink up. If your urine is brown in colour, we suggest you visit the doctor.

The story does not end here. Some believe that they can consume a large amount of water at one stretch, say in the morning, and rest easy for the rest of the day. Well the fact is that your intake of water has to be spread throughout the day. When you take in an enormous amount of water at one time you are more likely to experience water intoxication.