Drinking water

F

Fitnessfreak366

Cathlete
Cathe, what are your thoughts on drinking a gallon of water a day? I frequent the body building forums and its religion over there to drink a gallon a day. I've been doing this for about two weeks. I find its not hard to do, however, I have gained about 2 lbs. since I started. Could drinking this much water be too much? Should I cut back to about 68/72 oz. a day? I wish I knew the benefits of drinking so much, I know the body needs to be hydrated but this seems extreme.
 
Not Cathe here but I can offer some information from personal experience. About 5 years ago I was diagnosed with a kidney stone...major ouchy! I went to an internist who specialized in the renal system and he recommended at least 2-3 liters per day to decrease the chances of another stone. I certainly did not want to repeat that so water is part of my day just like working out. When I began to get more serious with cardio, I found it wasn't that big of a jump to a gallon. I asked one of the doctors I work with (I'm a pediatric RN) if she thought this was too much. She asked if my urine was still concentrated and it has been so she said my body has adapted to that amount of fluid. I do notice a difference if I drink under that...lips dry and feel thirsty. Anyhow, that's my little saga for what it's worth.

Take care and thanks for all the wonderful info you share on the forum. I've learned a lot!
 
Thanks! Did you notice any significant amount of weight gain when you jumped to drinking that much water? Just curious, I know its not a big deal, but I just gotta wonder if a gallon is overkill. Thanks for sharing your saga!
 
Honestly I don't remember gaining weight but my body probably adjusted. Many times I've thought this is overkill especially with all the trips to the bathroom ;) but I do not want another kidney stone! I do hope that Cathe will offer us both some insight.

Diana
 
I think it can be enough, too much, or not enough, depending on the person and on their regular diet. Rather than going for a particular quantity, judge whether you are hydrated enough by looking at the color of your urine. It should be clear to light yellow (like a very watered down lemonade). If it is darker than that, you should drink more water (or get more fluids from other sources). The exception is if you are taking a multivitamin with large quantities of a particular B vitamin (can't remember which off-hand) which will turn your urine light orangy yellow.

I think a particular water guideline for everyone doesn't work. Especially since we get fluids from other sources than water. Someone who eats a diet high in watery veggies (lettuces, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.), brothy soups and fruits wouldn't need as much water as someone who eats a lot of concentrated processed foods, breads, pastas, and other foods that have little water content.
 
I've read that you're supposed to drink in ounces half your body weight. So, if you weigh 120 pounds, you should drink 60 ounces of water per day. Of course, when you're working out you should increase your water consumption to something higher than this.
 
Hi Debbie-

Not Cathe obviously, but I was wondering if that when you weigh yourself that the 2 lb gain is coming from the actual water that is still in your body post consumption?

1 gallon of water weighs 8 lbs, that's a lot of weight, maybe some of that hasn't been excreted from your body at the time you weigh in.

Also, out of curiosity, since you started increasing your water intake, have you noticed any changes in your physique? Do your muscles look larger, more swollen? I was wondering if your muscles might "suck up" some of the H20 as well..

Will be curious if Cathe has any wisdom on this topic.

Take care, Lynn M.
 
Lynn, that's a very interesting point.

Debbie, I've also started drinking more water in the last couple weeks and weighed in yesterday 2 pounds heavier than usual which surprised me.
 
Hi Deb!

I tried this and for me I learned a gallon is too much. I'm in the "ladies room" way too much and actually uncomfortably bloated for most of the day on this intake. As far as why the 2 pound weight gain, I agree with Lynn M here. I know I ALWAYS had to go to the bathroom so there was never a time that an abundance of water was not accumulating in my reservoir. Also, I'm sure your diet is very clean but just in case, I wanted to remind you that if you have a high level of carb or starch content in your diet, you will absorb fluids like a sponge.

As far as how to determine how much water is enough based on ounces per body weight as well as reading the body's signals for water consumption, my thoughts match those of Lorrayne and Kathryn.

Some additional benefits of optimal water intake:

1) Provides cellular moisture to keep organs working optimally.

2) Promotes a more efficient workout session as it enables you to go longer and assists in muscle contraction too.

3) Helps to absorb shock throughout the body

4) Regulates body temperature and aids in the reduction of muscle cramping.

The list goes on
:)


Hope this helped some!
 
I know this is late on the chain, but thought I would hop in here and say that my experience with water and weight gain has been that not all water is the same. There are some waters out there that put weight on me and some that don't -- as ridiculous as this may sound, it has proved out for me. The best water that I have is not distilled, as it is no longer "alive." Filtered water or pure spring water with lots of minerals has proved to be the best for me. And of course it goes without saying that some of the chemicals that are put into tap water (depending on your state and the laws) can add to the problem.

Again, I have no scientific data to back up my experiences, but these are what I have experienced -- that the type of water makes a difference for me.:)
 
Karen-

You bring up an interesting point..some softened waters ( from the tap) do have some sodium, that's what make it "soft."

I do know that when some bodybuilders are in the final prep stages pre compeitition they won't drink any tap water, or even some of the bottled waters. That's because their focus is so much on "getting their cuts" that that even the additional (and minute) amount of sodium in the water may cause some fluid retention. They will drink distilled, which I believe has "nothing added" at all. ( you can tell too as far as the taste in the distilled stuff.. it kind of has a "flat" flavor, IMHO.)

Take care, Lynn M.
 
Hi Lynn,

You bring up an interesting point, as well, which is the sodium that's put into the water. Thanks for pointing that out. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top