How Much Water Do You Really Need to Drink Every Day?

YOU MIGHT HAVE seen an uptick in the number of giant water jugs being toted around the office or gym lately and wondered, “Should I be doing that?” The answer is: not necessarily, though anything that gets you into a solid hydration habit is a win

- Devon Murphy

We asked two experts to bust common misconceptions around H₂O consumption and to explain why hitting the water bottle is so beneficial.

MYTH: You can only hydrate with water 

While Calgary-based registered dietitian Evita Basilio recommends that half the fluids you consume daily are water, she says the other half can come from a number of sources, like coffee, tea, milk, sports drinks, 100 percent veggie or fruit juices, soups or even foods like berries, oranges, celery and melon. And when you’re thirsty, don’t reach for that can of Coke: Sugary soft drinks should be enjoyed in moderation.

MYTH: You need eight glasses of water a day