Drinking: how much fluid the body needs

In short: Adults need on average about 1.5 to 2 litres of drinks a day, more in heat, exercise or illness. Water is the best choice.

In more detail: The body consists largely of water and loses fluid daily via urine, sweat, breath and stool. Around a fifth of intake comes from solid food (fruit, vegetables, soup).

In Depth

• Guideline: As a rough orientation about 1.5 litres of drinks under normal conditions. Need depends on body size, activity, temperature, diet and health.
• Thirst: A signal of the body, but often too quiet in older people and children. In heat, exercise and illness drink as a precaution.
• Good drinks: Tap water, mineral water, unsweetened tea, strongly diluted fruit-juice spritzers. Tap water in Germany is strictly controlled, cheap and without packaging waste.
• Sugary drinks: Soft drinks, energy drinks and juices deliver a lot of sugar (see hidden sugar). Better sparingly.
• Coffee and tea: Count as fluid, in usual amounts. Mind the caffeine (caffeine).
• Signs of too little: Dark, strong-smelling urine, dry mouth, headache, tiredness, trouble concentrating. Pale yellow urine is considered a good sign.
• Too much: Extreme amounts in a short time can disturb the salt balance. That is rare but occurs in endurance sport.
• Tricks: Bottle within sight, a glass of water with every meal, a reminder at the desk.
• Special cases: With heart or kidney disease a doctor-set drinking amount may apply.

See also: salt and sodium

General information, not medical advice. For complaints or questions about your situation, talk to a doctor.