The constellation Aquarius serves as an excellent signpost to remind us of the importance of staying hydrated. Nevertheless, how much water do we need to drink each day?

The age-old advice that spans across the universe is to drink eight, eight-ounce glasses of water (eight cups = sixty-four ounces). This is easy to remember and it’s something to aim for, but it’s not based on solid science.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in the U.S. states that the average intake for men is fifteen cups and eleven cups for women. It’s important to note that about twenty percent of our daily fluid intake comes from food. Just as there are many constellations, many different types of foods and beverages can satisfy the amount of fluids needed to stay hydrated. Some favorite foods that are almost one hundred percent water by weight include pumpkin, watermelon, cucumber, broccoli, oranges and other fruit.

Water is the true elixir of life as it has many health benefits. Some of the benefits are removing waste, regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, and protecting sensitive tissues. Water serves as the perfect fuel to help us maintain a steady energy level. Our bodies depend on water to survive and makes up, on average, sixty percent of our body weight.

Like everything else that needs our attention, the amount of fluids we require is based on many variables. The type of climate we live in, fluid loss through exercise, and our overall health dictate the amount of water we need to consume.

Aquarius, the Water Bearer, can only serve as a reminder of the importance of fluid intake. We need to decide what’s best for us. Taking in the variables, there is no magic volume we need to consume.

But how do we know when enough is enough? If you rarely feel thirsty and your urine is straw-colored, chances are you’re on the right track. You can stay on course if you make it a habit to drink a cup of water at each meal and/or between meals, before and after you exercise, and (of course) if you feel thirsty.

You don’t need to wait for “when the moon is in the Seventh House
and Jupiter aligns with Mars” to know if you’re staying properly hydrated. If you’re having trouble reading the signs, we are in the “dawning age of Aquarius,” and a licensed healthcare provider or dietitian is the best signpost you can find.

This is part seven of the multipart series, “Aim for the Stars.” In my next blog, we’ll turn to the Ursa Major and Ursa Minor signposts.

Missed the beginning of our journey through the constellations? Check out the rest of Aim for the Stars.