Water is essential for our bodies to function properly. It helps regulate our temperature, transport nutrients, and remove waste. But what beverages count as water intake, and how much water should we be drinking each day?

The answer to the first question is not as straightforward as you might think. While plain water is the best choice, other beverages can also contribute to your daily water intake. Milk, herbal tea, and even some fruits and vegetables are high in water content and can help keep you hydrated. However, some beverages, like caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, can have a diuretic effect and can actually lead to dehydration.

So, what counts as water intake per day? 

As a general guideline, it is often recommended to aim for eight glasses of water per day, which is roughly equivalent to about 2 liters or half a gallon. However, individual needs may differ, and it's important to listen to your body's signals of thirst and adjust your intake accordingly. Some experts suggest drinking half your body weight in ounces of water as a starting point. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you would aim to drink 75 ounces (about 2.2 liters) of water per day. Remember that other factors like physical activity, weather conditions, and certain medical conditions may require you to increase your water intake. Ultimately, it's crucial to stay hydrated and find a balance that works best for your body.

Another common question is how often should I drink water? It's important to spread your water consumption throughout the day, rather than trying to chug a large amount all at once. Drinking water regularly can help keep you hydrated and prevent dehydration, which can lead to headaches, fatigue, and other health problems. Try setting a reminder to drink water every hour, or keep a water bottle with you at all times to make it easier to stay hydrated.

Does the temperature of water matter? 

Some people prefer drinking ice-cold water, while others prefer it at room temperature or even warm. While there's no right or wrong temperature to drink water, some studies suggest that drinking cold water may slightly boost your metabolism and help you burn more calories. However, if you're feeling dehydrated, drinking warm water may be more soothing and help you rehydrate more quickly.

Tired of drinking plain, old water? Try adding a sugar free flavoring to water. It is a great way to spice up the mundane and put excitement into the daily need to meet your #WaterGoals. We love to add a pump or two of our flavors to water for just a little hint of sweetness and flavor that is actually sugar free, calorie free and carb free - win!

It's important to drink plenty of water each day to keep your body functioning at its best. While plain water is the best choice, other beverages can also contribute to your daily water intake. Make sure to spread your water consumption throughout the day, and experiment with different temperatures to find what works best for you. And if you're not sure how much water you should be drinking, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.