The question of how much water a person should drink daily comes up again and again, and many people are used to a simple rule: one and a half to two liters per day. However, as explained by Viktoria Strizhevskaya, Deputy Director of the Higher School of Biotechnology of Food Systems at Saratov State Medical University, this recommendation is not so straightforward.
According to her, it is not just about pure water, but about total fluid intake. This includes all beverages consumed during the day, as well as the liquid contained in foods—such as soups, vegetables, fruits, and other dishes, as reported by Naked Science. If you consume enough of these, part of your daily fluid requirement is already covered through food.
In addition, the body’s needs change depending on the season and weather conditions.
“In hot weather, when air temperature rises, a person sweats more and therefore needs more fluids to maintain water balance. In winter or cooler conditions, the need for fluids decreases, and there is no need to force yourself to drink,” the expert notes.
Moreover, excessive water consumption can put additional strain on the kidneys and the excretory system. Water is a universal solvent, and too much of it can wash out not only harmful substances but also beneficial ones, such as minerals. This may disrupt the body’s balance and even lead to health problems. Therefore, drinking large amounts of water without feeling thirsty is not advisable.
Viktoria Strizhevskaya emphasizes that not drinking exactly two liters of pure water a day is not a cause for concern. The key is to maintain overall fluid balance and prioritize natural beverages.
“There is one exception—industrial drinks. These, on the contrary, should be consumed in smaller amounts,” the specialist concludes.
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