Water, is 8 glasses necessary?????

The following is from Sparkpeople
http://www.sparkpeople.com/community/ask_the_experts.asp?q=47

Can other drinks such as diet sodas and herbal tea count towards my 8 glasses of water for the day?

The latest recommendations from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science, Dietary Reference Intake for Electrolytes and Water say: "The fluids consumed do not have to be only water. Individuals can obtain their fluids from a variety of beverages and foods. Contrary to popular opinion, consumers do not need to consume 'eight glasses of water a day' to meet their fluid needs." However my own personal opinion, particularly for people trying to lose weight, is to encourage additional water intake whenever possible. I feel it helps to cleanse the body when weight loss and fat breakdown is occurring. I also know that it helps to keep the hands and mouth busy, so snacking is less. This is a form of behavior modification. I personally know that many people feel better when at least 4-6 glasses of plain old H2O is consumed to help meet total fluid needs. Written by Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietitian What has been your experience with water intake? Does it make a difference for you? Let us know what works for you.

Water is essential for me because I've had kidney stones before.  The doctors told me that coffee, tea and soda shouldn't be counted as part of my fluid intake because they increase the likelihood of getting another kidney stone.   I try to follow the doctors recommendations; but don't always succeed.  I can get away with it for a few days, but then it becomes obvious that my body isn't doing as well.  Physically I feel better when I have 6-8 glasses of water/day.  

I agree with this post.  That 6 glasses or more should be clear water.  I drink 10 to 12 glasses of water a M-F and on weekends 8 and that is with effort.  During the week I lose track after 10.  When I go to the gym I drink 2 bottles of water before leaving the gym and then I get in 4 to 6 more during the day. 

I agree with both of you. I try to get 8-10 glasses of water in.  Sometimes it  is  hard.  I try to really make that  effort. Just now, almost 7 months ou****er tastes good again. After surgery water did not taste good. I just went to a conference this weekend where the speaker said we should drink 1/2 our body weight in water. That is my new goal.
Have a great day
Hugs~
Annie

This is one of my biggest struggles.  Yesterday I went the entire day and had only drink about 4-6 oz of water.  (Yes, you read that right).  The difficulty I run into is that without being able to eat and drink together by the time I think about drinking water it is time for me to eat again.  Maybe, I need to make myself drink 8 oz of water before I can eat again. 

It is so hard to remember. I still have occasional days where I forget. I know I feel better if I get all my fluid in. Can you set an alarm on your phone or stove timer to remind yourself? I like your idea about not eating again until you've done your fluid. Keep at it.
Hugs~
Annie