Updated: August 9, 2025 • Eight-minute read (quiz & FAQ).
Why Hydration Is Key to Wellness
Water is the basis of life! More than half of your body is made up of it, and it needs it every day to function fully. But beyond just being a habit, staying well-hydrated ensures stable energy, glowing skin, a sharp brain, and even stronger immune defenses. Every cell, every organ, every muscle depends on your hydration level. The slightest imbalance—headaches, fatigue, loss of concentration—can call you to order. Yet, we often underestimate the extent to which drinking regularly affects our mood, digestion, recovery after exercise, and even the quality of our sleep. And it's not just for summer or athletes: hydration is a universal need, all year round, for all ages. 🥗
So, how much water should you really drink per day? Between official recommendations, individual needs, and preconceived notions, it's not easy to find your way around! Dive into this guide to understand, without getting bogged down in numbers, how to adapt your water routine and find the right balance for your lifestyle.
How to know your daily needs
You've probably heard the famous phrase: "You need to drink eight glasses of water a day!" But the reality is much more nuanced. Hydration needs vary depending on age, gender, physical activity, outside temperature... and even what you eat. For example, a day spent at the office doesn't put the same strain on your body as an afternoon barbecue in the sun! (By the way, for a healthy summer, check out our air fryer comparison or our barbecue ideas 🔥.)
The feeling of thirst is already a late signal: the ideal is to anticipate it. Start your day with a large glass of water, then divide your intakes (bottle on the desk, carafe in the living room, flask in the bag). You can also monitor the color of your urine: a light yellow is a sign of good hydration. Certain foods, such as fruits and vegetables – watermelon, cucumber, orange – also provide a lot of water (up to 90% for some!). If you exercise, are breastfeeding, or spend time outdoors, consider increasing your intake.
To go further, Brita magazine offers personalized calculation tools based on your profile. The key? Drink before you're thirsty and adapt without forcing yourself.
Misconceptions about water consumption
We hear all sorts of things on the subject! First of all, no, you don't have to drink only "pure" water: teas, herbal teas, broths, and even soups help keep you hydrated. Sugary drinks, on the other hand, are no substitute for water (and beware of the "diet" soda trap).
Another myth: “The more you drink, the better!” In reality, excess water over a short period of time can, in rare cases, unbalance the body's mineral salts. It's better to spread your intake throughout the day. Conversely, don't wait until your mouth is dry to drink: the sensation of thirst decreases with age or sustained intellectual activity.
Finally, drinking cold water doesn't "make you lose weight," and tap water, filtered or not, is perfectly suitable for most needs. For variety, consider homemade smoothies or water infused with fresh fruit—it's healthy, refreshing, and makes you want to drink more!
Tips for hydrating naturally
It's not easy to think about drinking, especially when the day flies by! Here are some simple ideas to adopt:
- Place a large glass of water in every room where you spend time.
- Fill a water bottle in the morning and set yourself the goal of finishing it before evening.
- Set a gentle alarm on your phone every two hours.
- Accompany each meal with a small glass of water, even as a snack.
- Prepare a carafe of infused water (mint, lemon, cucumber, red fruits) to add flavor and freshness.
- Consider baskets of fresh fruits and vegetables to boost your natural hydration.
At work, place your bottle where it's visible on the table. When traveling, opt for a lightweight, reusable water bottle. And above all, listen to your body: dry mouth, abnormal fatigue, or headaches are often the first signs of a lack of water. For athletes, consider splitting your intake before, during, and after exercise. Finally, add a touch of fun: a colored straw, flavored ice cubes, your favorite glass... anything goes to encourage you to drink more regularly!
Drink healthy without breaking the bank
Good news: staying properly hydrated costs (almost) nothing! Tap water in France is generally drinkable, healthy, and very economical. If you're bothered by its taste, you can invest in a home water filter or a filter jug, a solution that quickly pays for itself compared to buying bottles. Mineral waters can be useful occasionally (specific mineral intake), but are not essential for everyday use.
When it comes to "pleasure" drinks, beware of the trap: sodas, industrial juices, or flavored waters from the store are often expensive and sugary. To vary without blowing your budget, prepare homemade infusions, add a few fruit segments to your carafe, or create a quick smoothie with a blender . And for more refreshment, why not organize a homemade "water bar" during your summer barbecues with our grilling ideas ?
Bottom line: stick to tap water, invest in a quality water bottle, and use seasonal fruits and vegetables to boost your hydration routine. Your body (and your wallet) will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad if I don't drink enough water every day?
Repeated lack of water can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, constipation, and even, in the long term, kidney problems. It's not about achieving perfection every day, but rather about paying attention to your body's signals and hydrating regularly.
Is tap water as good as bottled water?
In France, tap water meets strict health standards and is suitable for most uses. If you have any doubts about the taste or quality, use a filter or a filter jug.
Can you drink “too much” water?
Yes, but it's very rare: overhydration mainly affects athletes in extreme conditions. For everyday life, listen to your thirst and spread your intake throughout the day, without pushing yourself unnecessarily.
Do foods count for hydration?
Absolutely! Fresh fruits and vegetables, soups, and even some yogurts contribute to your daily fluid intake. This is why we talk about “total” hydration.
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!