Foods - Water - Optimal Absorption

Drink 8 to 10 235mL/8oz. glasses of water daily, for a total of 1.9 - 2.4L/2 - 2.5 quarts. If you are not accustomed to drinking this quantity of water, start with four or five glasses daily and work your way up. If you engage in regular exercise or live in a warmer climate, your water requirement will further increase to replace lost fluids.

Pregnant women require greater fluid intake for amniotic fluid, expanded blood volume, and the needs of her growing child. Nursing mothers also require greater intake, as breast milk is 87 percent water.

Water is also obtained through your daily food intake. Fruits and vegetables are composed of 70 to 95 percent water, for example. Water is best taken at room temperature or slightly cold. Your body will use up energy to "warm" cold water once consumed.