The notion of drinking eight glasses of water per day is a myth. It is best to drink when your body signals thirst. In fact, consuming fluids excessively can be harmful to your health.

Our bodies are designed to signal when we require water through the sensation of thirst. To monitor your fluid intake, you can use the color of your urine as a guide. Urine coloration, which is linked to the breakdown of hemoglobin, tends to be regular unless there is an injury or illness. If your urine is dark orange, you may need to drink more fluids. Conversely, if your urine is colorless, you might be overhydrated.

Water is crucial for numerous functions in the body, such as regulating temperature and acting as a solvent. However, too much or too little water can cause problems. Osmosis, for example, is the movement of water through a semipermeable membrane to balance salt content. Overhydration can result in water rushing into cells, causing swelling or even cell death, which can harm the brain. Conversely, underhydration can cause water to be drawn out of cells, leading to problems with nerve function, blood pressure, and more.

It is important to drink when you’re thirsty and not rely on dizziness or other symptoms to indicate hydration levels. If you have concerns about your hydration or fluid intake, consult a medical professional who has more education, experience, and qualifications than I do.