Certain conditions call for more water. Hot weather, high altitude, fever, or a diet rich in fiber and protein all increase your needs. Also, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals require an extra boost—roughly 10 to 13 cups daily.
If you have kidney issues or heart conditions, check with your doctor. The rule “more is better” doesn’t apply to everyone. Balance is your goal, not volume for volume’s sake.
A fun fact to close the loop: the world record for the longest time without water is just 18 days (set in a controlled medical setting). Don’t try that at home. The average person can only survive three to five days without it. Water is literally the difference between a good day and a medical emergency.
