Rethinking Water Intake: ABCs of Water Consumption
Published April 17th 2026
GRID Holistic Living: Faithful Fact-Finding Friday
We’ve all heard it: "Drink eight glasses of water every day." But is that actually true for everyone? On a Faithful Fact-Finding Friday, we break down the science of hydration using five simple questions.
WHO?
Who actually needs to track their water? The response is everyone that needs breath and has red blood flowing through their veins. Water makes up about 60% of your body. It acts like a delivery truck, carrying nutrients to your cells and taking "trash" (toxins) away. With the concept of bio individualism, your specific needs depend on your age, your weight, and how active you are. A professional athlete in the sun needs much more than someone working at a desk in an air-conditioned room.
WHAT?
What happened to the "8 glasses a day" rule? Scientists have found that the "8x8" rule is more of a guess than a hard fact. A major 2022 study showed that for many people, 8 glasses of water is actually more than the body needs to function. So, what is the recommendation? Well, what research highlighted is that what the body needs it processes like a delivery truck, making drop offs and what it does not need it passes through. Thus, drinking 8 glasses of water do not have any added value to your overall health.
WHY?
Because we forget that a lot of our water comes from food like fruits, vegetables, and soups which can provide up to 25% of your daily hydration, this is another reason why 8 glasses of water or more per day is not needed.
WHEN?
When should you drink? The best time to drink is when you are thirsty. Your brain has a built-in "hydration sensor" that is incredibly accurate. You don't need to force water down if you don't feel like drinking. Other good times include during and after exercise, or if you notice your urine is dark (it should ideally be a pale straw color). A darker yellow color hints to potential dehydration or other health concerns.
WHY?
Why is water so important for the body? Water does the "behind the scenes" work that keeps you alive. It keeps your body temperature steady, cushions your brain and spine, and keeps your joints moving smoothly. Without enough water, your brain has to work harder to focus, and your energy levels can drop significantly.
HOW?
How should you stay hydrated? Don't just count glasses. Focus on these three steps:
- Listen to your body’s thirst signals.
- Eat water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges.
- Keep a bottle nearby (including at night), but don't feel pressured to finish a specific amount if you aren't thirsty.
References:
Yamada, Y., et al. (2022). "Variation in human water turnover." Science Journal.
Valtin, H. (2002). "Drink at least eight glasses of water a day." American Journal of Physiology.
National Academies of Sciences (2004). "Dietary Reference Intakes for Water."