Hydration: How Much Fluid Does Your Body Need? Do you know how
much liquid your body needs each day to remain hydrated? Water,
water everywhere but how much do you really need? The question
of how much water is needed for adequate hydration is one that
has more answers than many other nutrition related questions.
The answer to the question is very simple. In 2004, the
Institute of Medicine (IOM) assessed hydration status by
reviewing research studies and food and nutrition surveys. The
IOM stated that the vast majority of healthy people adequately
meet their hydration needs by letting thirst guide them. The IOM
did not set exact requirements but set recommendations for women
at about 91 ounces of fluids per day and for men 125 ounces per
day. The recommendations also stated that all fluids count so
water, milk, coffee, tea and soft drinks count to body
hydration. In addition to fluids, the fluid content of fruits
and vegetables also count in the day’s intake. The IOM report
stated that about 80 percent of flu