Myth: Everyone must drink eight glasses of water a day.
Fact: How much water you need depends on your body size, the weather, how active you are, and your health. A good rule is to drink when you are thirsty and to aim for pale yellow urine. Tea, milk, soups, fruit and vegetables also add to your fluids.
If you have heart or kidney disease and your doctor has asked you to limit fluids, follow that advice. If you are always very thirsty or pass a lot of urine, please see your doctor.
This article is for general education. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
