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Do you think 500ml of liquid is enough a day ?

106 replies

luluxxx · 14/04/2026 11:56

So I’ve been feeling crappy lately
Tired,achy muscles /bit headachy etc
Then I realised I don’t really drink much
I struggle to even drink a 500ml bottle of water.
i will have 1/4 of a cup of tea on a morning then sip water all day and by the end of the day there will still be some left in the 500ml bottle.

Could this be making me feel a bit crap ?
how much do you all drink ?chat

OP posts:
Silverbirchleaf · 14/04/2026 15:27

That’s not enough.

Can you try adding squash? Dh loves the peach flavour and I like the apple/pear one.

Maybe put the drink in a glass. Somehow it tastes better from a glass. Or do you like it chilled, not room temperature.

Dehydration can definitely cause headaches and lethargy.

Automagical · 14/04/2026 15:28

In the winter i rarely drink much more than that. I drink a bit more in the summer or after heavy exercise but would struggle to drink a litre a day. I don't have headaches or dark urine and have never had a UTI in my life so it seems to work for me.

iloveeverykindofcat · 14/04/2026 15:29

God no, I'd be dying. But I am thirsty, hot and hyperactive! I probably drink about 3 liters a day.

MissMoneyFairy · 14/04/2026 15:29

You'll be using up that 500ml a day just sweating and breathing so you're not taking in anything. Why don't you drink more, maybe have soups, jelly, ice cream, yoghourt, fresh fruit and veg all have water.

StillSpartacus · 14/04/2026 15:58

SassyButClassy · 14/04/2026 15:22

3.2L/daily as a minimum and up to 5L/day when including coffee/tea/stock cubes etc which can be included.

Apparently, all liquid can be included apart from milk (which counts as food) and alcohol.

Garmin (fitness watch) told me above was correct and amount correct for my weight and activity level.

I read an article, recently, that said something like 80% of people are chronically dehydrated. I can't remember what the implications of that were, though.

Just to add milk is fine to drink. The only time to advise caution, would be if someone is filling up on milk and not eating enough varied nutrition. The only thing in your list I’d be careful of is the stock cubes, due to the salt content.

SassyButClassy · 14/04/2026 16:02

StillSpartacus · 14/04/2026 15:58

Just to add milk is fine to drink. The only time to advise caution, would be if someone is filling up on milk and not eating enough varied nutrition. The only thing in your list I’d be careful of is the stock cubes, due to the salt content.

Yeah, milk is fine to drink but Garmin says it doesn't count towards daily liquid intake.

Stock is fine, too, as it replenishes salts which are voided during activity so still count towards daily water intake.

I don't think anyone here is giving medical advice. Refer to Garmin or NHS for your individual needs. I just shared mine, as requested.

cooldarkroom · 14/04/2026 16:02

Both GP & Cardiologist have told me I need to drink 1.5litres of water a day

StillSpartacus · 14/04/2026 16:11

SassyButClassy · 14/04/2026 16:02

Yeah, milk is fine to drink but Garmin says it doesn't count towards daily liquid intake.

Stock is fine, too, as it replenishes salts which are voided during activity so still count towards daily water intake.

I don't think anyone here is giving medical advice. Refer to Garmin or NHS for your individual needs. I just shared mine, as requested.

I’m really not trying to get into a back and forth but, equally I don’t want the OP signposted to misinformation. The NHS guidelines include milk. A further link within these explains about food labelling. Stock cubes can have between 1 and 5g salt, depending on brand.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/

nhs.uk

Water, drinks and hydration

Find out how water and other drinks fit into a healthy diet and lifestyle.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/

HungryHerbivore · 14/04/2026 16:15

Working out what kind of drinking vessel brings you a small amount of pleasure can help too. You're more likely to drink if you enjoy the experience. I have a different mug for coffee vs tea, a different bottle for squash vs water, and prefer a certain shape glass at home too.

zantez · 14/04/2026 16:18

AFAIK intravenous fluid is around 2-3 litres a day for an adult in a hospital. I suppose that's if the person is not eating or drinking anything else! So when you add in multiple teas, coffees, yogurts, soup, smoothies and all the rest of it, most of us take in enough without having to force it in.

half a litre might be enough for you, combined with other fluids, who knows? Maybe next time you have a check up ask GP/nurse about it. In the meantime just add a glass or two of your favourite drink - doesn't have to be water, and build it up a bit.

SassyButClassy · 14/04/2026 16:22

StillSpartacus · 14/04/2026 16:11

I’m really not trying to get into a back and forth but, equally I don’t want the OP signposted to misinformation. The NHS guidelines include milk. A further link within these explains about food labelling. Stock cubes can have between 1 and 5g salt, depending on brand.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/

I appreciate your intent, no worries.

Regarding salt, it is not bad. In fact, it is essential. To what degree is variable for individual circumstance.

So, again, I'd caution against anyone giving medical advice. My NHS reference and Garmin information is pertinent to me only. Have stock cubes, or don't, I still do and count them towards my 5L/liquid per day as instructed.

stardqoes · 14/04/2026 16:42

SassyButClassy · 14/04/2026 16:02

Yeah, milk is fine to drink but Garmin says it doesn't count towards daily liquid intake.

Stock is fine, too, as it replenishes salts which are voided during activity so still count towards daily water intake.

I don't think anyone here is giving medical advice. Refer to Garmin or NHS for your individual needs. I just shared mine, as requested.

Garmin make watches, why would anyone refer to them for medical advice?

SassyButClassy · 14/04/2026 16:43

stardqoes · 14/04/2026 16:42

Garmin make watches, why would anyone refer to them for medical advice?

I take it you don't have one or you wouldn't be asking this question.

stardqoes · 14/04/2026 16:57

SassyButClassy · 14/04/2026 16:43

I take it you don't have one or you wouldn't be asking this question.

I do have one but I barely use it because they are shite and tear my wrist to shreds.

Rather than make assumptions though and say ‘I wouldn’t be asking’ why don’t you be helpful and explain why Garmin would be a place for medical advice?

I much prefer to be told I’m wrong and learn why than just to be wrong. It helps no one.

SassyButClassy · 14/04/2026 16:59

stardqoes · 14/04/2026 16:57

I do have one but I barely use it because they are shite and tear my wrist to shreds.

Rather than make assumptions though and say ‘I wouldn’t be asking’ why don’t you be helpful and explain why Garmin would be a place for medical advice?

I much prefer to be told I’m wrong and learn why than just to be wrong. It helps no one.

Why are you having a go at me? Bad day? If you asked nicely, I would be more than happy to help but being snarky and you can jump!

stardqoes · 14/04/2026 17:01

SassyButClassy · 14/04/2026 16:59

Why are you having a go at me? Bad day? If you asked nicely, I would be more than happy to help but being snarky and you can jump!

I wasn’t having a go? I was suggesting instead of you making the comment you did to me that you explain so I can learn. I was literally asking you to help me be less ignorant re Garmin. How you translated that to me having a go is beyond me. Never mind.

SassyButClassy · 14/04/2026 17:13

stardqoes · 14/04/2026 17:01

I wasn’t having a go? I was suggesting instead of you making the comment you did to me that you explain so I can learn. I was literally asking you to help me be less ignorant re Garmin. How you translated that to me having a go is beyond me. Never mind.

Ok, I sincerely apologise. I just came from another thread talking about how people like the rudeness here and I think it made me misconstrue your intent, so please accept my apology.

Are you asking specific to water intake? Because Garmin will cite different associatations depending on the metric, e.g. heart readings and zones are measured and intepreted via American Heart Association as confirmed here:

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/garmin-technology/health-science/

Hydration is measured, according to Garmin Connect (the app you use for your watch) as follows:

"Our default daily hydration goal is derived from the recommendations of several credible health organizations, including the US National Academty of Sciences. The goal is intended to guide your water intake through liquid consumption only, not food (on average 20% of your water intake comes from food).

You can choose this default goal or create your own daily goal. If you choose the auto goal option, your hydration goal will increase dynamically based on estimated sweat loss for timed activites you perform. Sweat loss is estimated by analyzing exertion and ambient termperature.

Your body needs water to survive, and it makes up to 60% of your body weight. In general, thirst is a good indicator of when to hydrate. You can also use urine color as a guide.

It goes on a bit more on this point then under, "What to Hydrate with,"

While water is often regarded as the best choice for hydration, the reality is that almost any non-alcoholic liquid is acceptable. Caffeinated beverages produce a moderate diuretic effect, but their net impact is hydrating rather than dehydrating.

Hope that helps and apologies, once more. I touch typed that info for you, using my phone and Garmin app, so please excuse typos.

I will try to not default to a defensive position when reading and responding, in future! Thank you for being so diplomatic regarding my error.

Garmin

The health and wellness monitoring features found on Garmin smartwatches can support your efforts to improve and maintain your health.

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/garmin-technology/health-science/

likelysuspect · 14/04/2026 17:18

luluxxx · 14/04/2026 12:11

@givemushypeasachancenormally I make one and start drinking it as I’m getting ready ..then it’s cold so il leave it

I constanty heat my tea up for this reason and I take my tea up into the bathroom to take sips in between getting ready otherwise I dont get enough down me in the morning

I tend to drink quite well at the start of the day but can fizzle out during the day, Ive probably had about a litre of tea today, some wine and perhaps will have some more tea later.

I also never feel thirsty. I do suffer with migraines but they're hormonal and I dont notice them being any better when I am having the recommended liquid intake so I think it doesnt make a difference for me

Darkdiamond · 14/04/2026 17:18

I drink 3 litres a day. I get migraines and dehydration is a huge trigger and 3litres gives me a huge buffer. I love sparkling water and have a soda stream so I bubble it up and guzzle it all through the day. I cant say I notice any difference other than not getting a migraine . My body just feels so wrong when its dehydrated.

SkinnyOatFlatWhiteForMePlease · 14/04/2026 17:23

I use the ‘My water’ app to track my intake and it sends nudges to my phone/watch which I find helpful. I aim for 2.5L a day.

ErrolTheDragon · 14/04/2026 17:30

many people drink more than they really need to, but it does sound like you aren’t having much liquid op. It does depend what you’re eating though as liquid from food is part of the total. If you’re having toast for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch that’ll be worse than yogurt and fruit , soup lunch iyswim.

daisychain01 · 14/04/2026 19:09

According to research, a good goal is 2,000ml per day for an adult. If you exercise add 500ml to that. 8 standard glasses of water.

i track my fluid on an app so it's really easy to know how much to drink through the day.

youre drinking 25% of what you need

firstofallimadelight · 14/04/2026 20:01

I drink 3 pints of water (one with each meal) plus around 4 cups decaf coffee and a couple of fruit teas. More if i exercise. That’s around 3L which is a good amount, you need at least 2L You do get use to it.

firstofallimadelight · 14/04/2026 20:03

I have a water app that sends me notifications to remind me to drink but tbh I’ve made drinking a routine so it’s automatic now

Sheknowsaboutme · 14/04/2026 20:03

I drink 2-3l a day. If i dont i get a headache, horrible thirst, dry lips and i wake up with a puffy face.

your body needs water to flush out toxins.