A number of years ago I had some kidney stones. (photo on the right). The urologist said it was because I hadn't stayed properly hydrated when I was hiking, especially, but also in general. So I drink a lot nowadays. I have had no problems and no indications of any problems since then.
Here's the current FB meme about drinking water:
My own version:
- Drink a Coke Zero or Diet Dr. Pepper when I wake up.
- Drink a 12 oz coffee an hour later, black or with about 1/3 of a package of Splenda.
- Drink 8 - 12 oz water with my morning placebos.
- Throughout the rest of the day: drink 32 - 64 oz of a concoction of (very roughly) 1oz lemon juice, 1/2 oz lime juice, 12 oz Diet Lemonade, and about 50 oz club soda.
Some days when I know I'll be staying up later, I add another Coke Zero or Diet Dr. Pepper during the afternoon. And some days I have a second cup of coffee in the morning.
- In the evening (after 8pm), but only when I'm not acting and not driving, 3-5oz scotch. On those days when I get home late, I might have 2oz when I get home.
- Drink another few oz of water with my evening placebos.
This is just a rough sketch. When we eat in restaurants, I drink a lot of water with my meals. And sometimes I drink wine. Mostly white wine for me (Note how Ian Klymchuk often makes fun of this preference).