Debunking the Myth of Drinking 8 Glasses of Water a Day
The idea that we need to drink eight glasses of water a day is one of the most pervasive myths in the health world.
In reality, there is no specific evidence to support this specific recommendation. The amount of water a person needs depends on a variety of factors like age, sex, weight, activity level, and the weather.
Water features constant existence and consistent value—a combination of immortality and environmental energy—a ripple of excitement, a glass of goodness, a sprinkle of healing, and our favorite wet.
Science suggests that water can suppress hunger, improve metabolism and also help lose body fat.
Water is life. Can we agree?
Unless, of course, you’re drowning or it’s being forced down your throat—which equals drowning if your body’s makeup is already 60% water.
But, isn’t it being forced down your throat? Aren’t they constantly selling you "quenched qualms" in the form of intake tracker bottles? Wonder why there is a standard saying that water should be taken in measurements of eight glass cups.
Yes, you might argue that the myth is valid because we lose a lot of water with our daily activities as humans so putting demand on a set number of glasses may help keep us in check. Well water has a language, and it is as simple as “the language of thirst."
Your body is energy; it can feel and speak. This is why your body can actually express weakness: when you stress, you feel it; when you get back from the gym, you feel it; when you do not get good sleep, you feel it—you catch yourself yawning at your desk at work; your eyes also close unintentionally when you burn midnight candles.
Our bodies can choose what they're available for with rest, food, even with friends, and most importantly, when we are dehydrated. Your body is energy that is expressive. It communicates. And this is why—thirst is all the evidence you need to know that you should drink water.
Knowing how much water you need is as simple as sitting with yourself and marinating with your energy to determine what your body is saying. Simply trusting your body’s ability to make decisions that embody your liquid needs.
Water says, "Ah!" You’re pressed, Emily; take a leak. Water says, "Eww!" You stink, Joe; take a bath. Take a swim. Irrigate. Flush. And most importantly, take a glass. Yes, Joe, you aren’t listening. That’s why you think you need some gym shark on Instagram to curate the perfect oz level for YOUR water needs.
There’s a question burning in your mind right now. You want to ask me what I have against drinking eight glasses of water a day. Well, I get that, you should ask that. And I’m going to do the honors.
I don’t have to completely turn your will against water tracking. What I feel the need to really do, is take you back to self-trust, where you respect the power behind the voice of thirst. We never really realize how much our bodies respond to our own awareness. I know reading this will leave you in the know, and you can then decide where to go from here.
Consider self-consultation; Am I drinking water right now because it is required of me? Do I feel the need to conform to the myth of drinking eight glasses a day? Is there pressure to do this? What makes sense to my body right now? What is my body calling for right now? Take a breather and really listen to what your body is saying.
From small decisions like how often I drink water to big decisions like do I need a career switch, there is a lot of awareness and consideration for yourself in every decision, and the right decision should not alter how you really feel deep in your body.
This leads you to either accept or reject the idea behind my theory—water doesn’t need to be measured in eight glasses.
You have decided to switch off the robot mode vibe and answer to the language of thirst, the songs of the rumble in your stomach, and the natural way to live that involves feeling, consciousness, life, energy, and a connection to nature.
While staying hydrated is important for our health, the best way to determine our individual needs is to listen to our bodies and drink water when we feel thirsty.
So, drink up when you’re thirsty, but don’t stress about a one-size-fits-all rule of eight glasses a day!
By Anita Owunna (Amarii).