|
Drinking only four glasses of water per day, rather than
the recommended eight, may result in mild dehydration, according
to a study.
The 12-week study involved 10 college students who drank
four, eight or 12 eight-ounce glasses of water per day in
four-day increments. After each increment, the students’
body hydration status was measured and they answered questions
about their well being.
It was found that blood plasma volume, which is a measure
of hydration, was five percent lower among students who consumed
four glasses of water compared to those who drank eight. Also,
urine was more highly concentrated when only four glasses
of water were consumed.
When students drank 12 glasses of water, blood plasma volumes
were 10 percent above those measured when they drank eight
glasses.
Drinking eight or 12 glasses of water resulted in similar
reports of well-being, however, when students drank the least
amount of water they reported being less energetic and less
focused than when they drank more water.
Not drinking enough water can lead to headaches, grogginess
and dry skin, or with severe dehydration can affect blood
pressure, circulation, digestion and kidney function as well
as many other body processes.
The levels of dehydration associated with drinking four glasses
of water were mild, researchers said. They note that people
who exercise or sweat a lot could need more water than normal
to prevent dehydration.
Experimental
Biology 2003, April 11-15, 2003, San Diego, California Abstract
204.4
| 