HOW MUCH WATER DO YOU NEED?

How much water you need each day depends on a number of factors, including your age, your sex, your activity level, your state of health, and even the humidity and elevation of your environment. The common recommendation to drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water spaced across your day (the “8x8 Rule”) is a good baseline, endorsed by the Mayo Clinic and others but you may well need more than that.

According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the average woman needs about 11.5 cups (∼2 liters) of water per day, while men need about 15.5 cups (∼3 liters). That includes water from food, and some fruits and veggies like spinach are almost entirely water—even a baked potato is about 75% water. But the water from food normally accounts for only about 20% of your water intake, so keep drinking. Drink more if you’re exercising or sweating outside and add an extra glass before a second cocktail if you drink, because alcohol dehydrates you.

It’s possible to drink too much water. In this case, it can dilute the sodium in your blood stream and lead to other problems. But it’s reportedly difficult to get there–dehydration is a much more widespread condition. If in doubt, consult your doctor or a dietician.