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How much water should a person drink each day?

A from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine established recommended water intake using data from men and women ¡°who appear to be adequately hydrated.¡± The report determined that women should consume about 2.7 liters of water per day, while men should consume about 3.7 liters per day. That¡¯s about 11.5 cups a day for women and 15.5 cups a day for men. This includes water from both foods and drinks.

However, fluid needs can vary by individual, Wohlford says.

Your water needs depend on factors such as your:

• Age
• Health
• Medications
• Body size
• Climate
• Physical activity level and intensity

You also need more water if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Remember to increase the amount of water you drink according to the heat, humidity and amount of exercise you are getting.

Does cancer or cancer treatment change water intake recommendations?

Yes, cancer and cancer treatment can sometimes impact fluid recommendations.

This is because side effects from cancer and cancer treatment, such as diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting, can lead to dehydration.

If you are having trouble staying hydrated during cancer treatment, speak with your care team about your options.

¡°Your care team will provide recommendations to maintain good hydration and can provide assistance, such as IV hydration, if maintaining hydration becomes a challenge,¡± Wohlford says.

How can you tell if you are drinking enough water?

Determining your hydration status doesn¡¯t have to be complicated. It also doesn¡¯t require following precise measurements.

In fact, the National Academies report we mentioned earlier notes that ¡°the vast majority of healthy people adequately meet their daily hydration needs by letting thirst be their guide.¡±

Wohlford¡¯s first tip for determining if you are drinking enough water echoes this idea.

¡°One of the best ways to tell if you are drinking enough water is not feeling thirsty,¡± she says.

Other ways to tell your hydration status? Your bathroom habits and energy levels.

¡°Look for light yellow to colorless urine, regular urination throughout the day, regular bowel movements and normal energy levels,¡± she says.

Is it possible to drink too much water?

It is possible to drink too much water, although it is rare in healthy people who eat a normal diet with a variety of foods.

People with kidney, thyroid, heart or liver diseases and those taking certain types of medications should talk to their doctor about how much water they should be drinking. And always check with your doctor regarding changes to your water consumption if you take medications.

What type of water is the healthiest?

Plain water is the best choice to stay hydrated and keep your body running smoothly.

There are times when electrolyte water can bolster the electrolytes you get from your diet ¡ª think hot temperatures, when you are exercising for a long time or after an illness with vomiting and diarrhea. But often, other types of water and sports beverages are not necessary. They may also contain added sugars which can lead to weight gain.

RELATED: Electrolytes 101: What to know

Choosing plain water doesn¡¯t have to mean giving up sparkling water, however. But, like all water options, it¡¯s best to choose sparkling water without added sugar or sweetener.

Can drinking water help me lose weight?

Research does not show that there is some magic in water that alters your metabolism to increase weight loss.

However, choosing water over beverages with calories and sugar means you are taking in fewer calories. Drinking water can also help you feel fuller sooner, reducing overall calorie intake. So, making water a part of a healthy diet can help you manage your weight.

Speaking of a healthy diet, MD Anderson dietitians recommend eating meals rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and seeds.

Fill two-thirds of your plate with whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and seeds. The remaining one-third can be lean animal protein or plant-based protein.

Is water in plastic bottles safe?

Whenever possible, opt for filtered tap water. It will save you money and reduce your exposure to toxins like Bisphenol A (BPA), which may get into water sold or stored in plastic bottles.

How can I make water easier to drink?

Looking to enhance the flavor of water? Toss in some fruit, veggies or herbs. These will add vitamins, antioxidants and flavor. It can also be fun to mix and match ingredients.

 Try adding any of these to your water to add some flavor:

• Basil
• Cucumber
• Ginger
• Grapefruit
• Lemon
• Lime
• Mint
• Orange
• Rosemary

Unsweetened tea is also a good option.

What else counts toward my daily water intake?

Any liquid counts toward your daily fluid intake. This includes milk, coffee, tea, fruit juice, soda and the fluids found in food.

However, there are drawbacks to some of these choices.

Even though it¡¯s mostly water, fruit juice ¨C even options without added sugar ¨C has a lot of sugar and calories. And the fiber has been removed, so that sugar is quickly absorbed by the body. Over time, that can add up to unwanted weight gain, which can put you at risk for diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Sodas, coffee and tea all have caffeine, which can contribute to your body releasing too much water leading to dehydration. Plus, some options contain added sugar.

RELATED: How much caffeine is too much?

While many foods and drinks contribute to your daily fluid intake, for the healthiest hydration option, it¡¯s hard to beat good old plain water.

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