How much water per day?

Hydration influences everything: energy, focus, digestion, sports performance, and skin quality. Here is your personalized need, not the generic "2 liters per day" recommendation.

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Why "2 liters per day" is wrong

This recommendation dates back to the 1940s and completely ignores weight and activity level. A sedentary 50 kg woman and a 90 kg man doing CrossFit have very different needs.

The personalized calculation is based on your weight (about 33 ml per kg of body weight) adjusted by your activity level. The more you move and sweat, the more water you need.

Signs of dehydration

By the time you feel thirsty, you're already 1-2% dehydrated. At this stage, your physical and cognitive performance is already dropping.

Other signs: dark urine (aim for a light straw yellow), recurring headaches, unexplained fatigue, muscle cramps, dry skin. If you check 2 or 3 of these boxes, you're probably not drinking enough.

Tips to drink more

Keep a water bottle visible on your desk. Drink a large glass when you wake up (your body is dehydrated after the night). Pair every meal with a glass of water. If you don't like plain water, add lemon, cucumber, or mint leaves.

Note: tea, coffee, and water-rich foods (cucumber, watermelon, soup) all count toward your daily fluid intake.

Questions fréquentes

Do coffee and tea count?
Yes. Despite their slight diuretic effect, coffee and tea contribute positively to your hydration. The diuretic effect is largely offset by the water they contain.
Can you drink too much water?
It's possible but extremely rare (hyponatremia). You would have to drink several liters in a very short time. For the vast majority, the real risk is not drinking enough.
Should I drink during meals?
Yes, a glass of water during a meal has no negative effect on digestion (that's a myth). However, avoid drinking liters during the meal — it can cause bloating.
Does my need change in winter?
Slightly. You sweat less, but dry air from heating dehydrates you through your respiratory tract. Keep the same goal and adjust based on your thirst.

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