3. Focusing Exclusively on Plain Drinking Water

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that American adults average only 44 ounces of plain water daily, with consumption declining steadily in older age groups. However, meeting total daily fluid goals does not require forcing down endless glasses of plain water. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine sets Adequate Intake guidelines for total daily water at 3.7 liters (approximately 125 ounces) for men and 2.7 liters (approximately 91 ounces) for women aged 19 and older. Crucially, roughly 20 percent of this daily intake should originate from moisture-rich foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, tomatoes, berries, and warm soups.