You’ve probably heard the advice: “Drink 8 glasses of water a day.” It sounds simple— but it’s actually a myth. There’s no scientific evidence behind this one-size-fits-all rule, and we can’t even trace where it came from!
Here’s the truth:
No two people are the same. We all eat differently, sweat differently, and live in different environments. So why would everyone need the same amount of water?
How much water you need depends on you.
If you’re active, spend time in the heat, or have a history of kidney stones, your body may need more fluids. On the other hand, if you have conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, or swelling (edema), drinking too much can actually be dangerous. Many people on diuretics (water pills) need to limit fluids to avoid complications like fluid overload or low sodium levels (hyponatremia).
Bottom line:
There’s no universal rule for how much water to drink. Too little can cause dehydration—but too much can be harmful, too. It’s all about finding the right balance for you.
Not sure what’s right in your case?
We’re here to help. Talk to us at Renal Specialists of Houston. We’ll help you figure out the best fluid intake for your health.