How much water should you really drink?

How much water should you really drink? (Photo: iStock)

We all know drinking water is good for us. It is practically the golden rule of healthy living. Most of us aim to tick off the usual ‘seven to eight glasses a day’, which works out to around 1.5 to two litres of water daily, according to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). Some people even set water reminders on their phones or carry bottles with them everywhere, hoping to reach that magic number.

However, too much of something, even water, can be harmful. While water keeps us alive, overhydration can lead to a rare but serious condition called hyponatraemia, where the body’s sodium levels drop dangerously low, affecting the way muscles and nerves work.