The 8 X 8 Glasses of Water Myth

Today, as part of our These Days series on food and nutrition, we talked about water and the body. I recently came across an article about the myth that we need to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to be healthy. I was surprised because I, like most Americans, assumed this recommendation was based on sound medical science. But no, there was no scientific basis for the recommendation that's been around for more than 50 years.

Our guest was the engaging, energetic Dr. Heinz Valtin, a professor emeritus from Dartmouth Medical School, who blew the myth wide open with his comprehensive report on how much water the body needs. Despite his study being released in 2002, Americans, backed by misguided medical personnel and physical trainers, and crafty bottled-water suppliers, continue to believe in, and buy into, the myth.

We even received a call from a local physician who said he has a hard time convincing his patients that it is not necessary to drink 64 ounces of water a day because the myth is so pervasive. As Dr. Valtin says, you can stop feeling guilty about not drinking all this water. I know that I already have.

What about you? Do you drink 8 glasses of water a day? Tell us why... and after listening to our segment, will you change your habits?

Comments:

Christine Plante

November 21, 2008 at 11:23 AM

A person with a low sodium level in their blood should definitely not drink very much water. It will dilute their blood further and make them very ill with retained water in mutated cells while, at the same time, they will become dehydrated when they take a break from the overconsumption.

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Dolores Gonzalez from La Jolla, CA

February 22, 2009 at 07:45 PM

I suffer from gout and was told to drink lots of water to reduce the amount of uric acid in my blood. I also have high blood pressure and drink lots of water to dilute my salt intake. Whom do you believe?