How Much Water Should You Drink Daily?

We often get asked how much water one should drink each day. The answer: it depends on your daily diet. For instance, if someone consumes dry foods like bread, various carbohydrates, poultry, meats, fish, cheeses, and eggs, they will likely need more water due to the lack of fluids in these foods, making them thirstier. Conversely, someone who eats wet foods throughout the day, like fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, sprouts, and soups, will drink less and almost won't feel thirsty! To determine if you've drunk enough water, check your urine color, which should be yellowish throughout the day, except in the morning when it's darker due to overnight waste elimination.

Other factors to consider for daily water intake: daily physical activity, staying in air-conditioned spaces, the seasons of the year, food seasoning and salting, and so on.

An Example of a Healthy, Hydration-Rich Diet:

Upon Waking: 2 glasses of purified water or unsweetened herbal tea.

Morning: Up to 3 fruits + 15 blanched and peeled almonds (soak overnight in a jar with water).

Late Morning: A sandwich with whole spelt or rye bread with a healthy spread and vegetables.

Lunch: A serving of grain and/or legumes with a salad rich in greens and sprouts + cooked/baked/steamed vegetables (all can be placed in a soup pot).

Afternoon: Cereal coffee with plant-based milk + 2 dates + 2 nuts.

Evening: A serving of grain and/or legumes with a salad rich in greens and sprouts + cooked/baked/steamed vegetables, or alternatively an organic egg + salad with tahini or avocado.

Note: Meals can be reorganized throughout the day. Fruits should be eaten only on an empty stomach and not as dessert.

Additional tips on water drinking: Try to avoid drinking right after meals. You can drink about half an hour before a meal, as consuming food along with liquids can interfere with the stomach's digestive juices, preventing proper food breakdown. This can lead to various digestive issues. "...and do not drink water during a meal, except a little mixed with wine; and when the food begins to digest in his intestines, drinks as much as he needs to drink. And do not excessively drink water, even when the food is digested" (Rambam, Hilchot De'ot, Chapter 4).

To book in-home sessions with naturopath Ruth Liat Palez at no cost, call 073-2221290