Drinking enough is necessary, but it does not require a detox programme or a special water additive. The practical task is to make suitable drinks regularly available and adapt intake to your circumstances and health. Drinking as much water as possible is not a health goal in itself.
How much should you drink?
The German Nutrition Society (DGE) gives around 1.5 litres of beverages daily as general guidance. Water from food contributes in addition. Heat, activity and certain medical conditions can change requirements; if fluid intake is medically restricted, follow the personal treatment plan. A general number is therefore not a prescription for every person and every day. [1] [2]
Start by taking stock: what do you drink in the morning, at work, with meals and on the go? Identifying a neglected part of the day is often more helpful than introducing another large bottle as a compulsory amount.
A simple routine without constant counting
| Situation | Practical preparation |
|---|---|
| Morning | Have a drink available with the first meal, without prescribing a particular temperature or ingredient. |
| Work or household tasks | Keep a glass or clean bottle within easy reach. |
| On the go | Think about access to drinks and the weather before leaving. |
| Evening | Do not try to make up for an entire day by drinking very large amounts at once. |
Choose one change that addresses an actual problem. A visible bottle can help during a long working day; someone who always has access to drinks may not need another app or a fixed reminder.
Do coffee and tea count?
Yes. The DGE counts coffee, black tea and green tea towards fluid balance. This does not replace a separate assessment of their caffeine. Water and suitable unsweetened drinks are useful regular choices for quenching thirst. [1]
Consequently, 1.5 litres of beverages does not automatically mean 1.5 litres in addition to everything else. Consider the total intake already present. Conversely, coffee should not be the only answer to thirst or daytime tiredness.
Mineral water: read the figure per litre
Mineral waters differ in their declared mineral content. [1] A hypothetical example: at 300 mg calcium per litre, a 250 ml glass supplies 75 mg. This is not the same as 300 mg per glass. Use the figure for your actual brand, not an arbitrary water comparison.
Flavour, carbonation, availability and, where relevant, particular mineral contents can inform the choice. It does not always need to be the water with the highest number. For medical conditions involving specific requirements, such as sodium or fluid restrictions, those requirements should guide selection.
How does ordinary drinking differ from detox advertising?
NCCIH finds no convincing evidence that non-specific detox diets remove the alleged toxins from the body. Highly restrictive programmes and large water amounts without normal food intake can cause problems. An important physiological role of water therefore does not validate every advertised cleanse. [3]
Ask questions about a promise: which substance is supposed to be removed, how was it measured and what demonstrated benefit results? A pleasant taste, more trips to the toilet or a short-term weight change do not answer these questions.
Does water need lemon or salt?
A few freshly washed cucumber slices or some lemon can provide flavour. This does not create a medicinal detox drink. Salt is not automatically a necessary addition to ordinary drinking water. Significant fluid losses, illness or particular sporting demands involve different questions from an ordinary office day.
Persistent vomiting, marked weakness, confusion or suspected poisoning require professional help. Such situations should not be treated with a homemade water programme.
Frequently asked questions
Does everyone need three or four litres?
No. A high blanket amount does not account for everyday circumstances, medical conditions or existing intake.
Must morning water be warm?
This everyday plan has no temperature requirement. Choose a pleasant and safe drinking temperature.
Is a lot of water at once especially cleansing?
No. More is not automatically better, and extreme drinking programmes can cause harm.
Is flavoured water a detox treatment?
No. Flavour and a demonstrated therapeutic benefit are different things.
Conclusion
Make suitable drinks accessible in everyday life and keep total intake in mind. A workable drinking routine does not need detoxification promises or an enforced maximum amount.
Read more: Calcium from water and foods and Assessing coffee and caffeine separately.
Sources
- DGE: Water as the preferred drink (German)
- DGE: Water requirements and changing circumstances (German)
- NCCIH: Detoxes and Cleanses — What You Need To Know
Editorially revised: 26 September 2026. General information for adults, not an individual drinking or treatment plan. The mineral example is hypothetical. Natur Total also operates an online shop.
