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A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Barrie, ON

Is 2000ml of water good for my overall health while living with HIV or should I drink more?

August 14
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A myHIVteam Member

you asked this question twice before, making this the third time. i'll give you the same answer as before:
You'll have to convert pounds to kilograms and ounces to milliliters:
Drinking half your body weight in fluid ounces daily (for example, aiming for 100 oz if you weigh 200 lbs) is a popular and useful baseline rule of thumb, but health experts note it is not an official medical mandate. Real hydration needs change based on your daily routine, environment, and overall health.
How the Formula Works
The Math: Take your weight in pounds and divide by two to get your target in ounces. Example: At 160 pounds, your target is 80 ounces (about 2.4 liters) of water per day.
Total Fluids: This goal does not have to come from plain water alone; other drinks and moisture-rich foods like fruits and vegetables contribute about 20% of your daily intake.
Factors That Change Your NeedsActivity: Exercising or heavy sweating means you need to drink more.
Weather: Hot, humid, or dry climates increase fluid loss.
Health Status: Fevers, digestive issues, or pregnancy raise your body's need for fluids.
Medical Limits: Certain conditions like heart or kidney issues may require fluid restrictions.
How to Check Your Hydration:
Urine Color: Pale yellow and clear means you are well hydrated.
Thirst: Let thirst be a primary guide rather than forcing rigid math.
It used to be 8 8oz glasses of water per day was the reccomendation. That was too much water for anerexic people and not enough water for morbidly obese people, so it was changed to half your body weight in pounds to ounces, per day. That hydrates everyone perfectly.

August 14 (edited)
A myHIVteam Member

I deal with a dry mouth and carry a water bottle with me where ever I go.

August 14
myHIVteam

2000ml (about 8 glasses) is a solid baseline, and you're on the right track! Staying well hydrated is especially important when living with HIV.

Water plays a key role in supporting your health by:

- Transporting nutrients to and from your cells
- Reducing medication side effects
- Flushing out medicines your body has Show Full Answer

2000ml (about 8 glasses) is a solid baseline, and you're on the right track! Staying well hydrated is especially important when living with HIV.

Water plays a key role in supporting your health by:

- Transporting nutrients to and from your cells
- Reducing medication side effects
- Flushing out medicines your body has already processed
- Helping prevent dehydration and constipation
- Cooling your body during exercise or illness The general recommendation is 8 to 10 glasses of water (or other fluids like juices or soups) per day, so 2000ml sits right at the lower end of that range.

If you're physically active or live in a warm climate, drinking more than 2000ml would be beneficial. A hydration app can be a handy tool to track your daily intake based on your weight and activity level.

As always, it's worth checking with your healthcare provider to get a recommendation tailored specifically to you and your treatment plan.

August 14

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A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
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