Peat Archive

Ray Peat's views on water challenge conventional advice to 'drink 8 glasses a day.' He argued that excessive water intake dilutes sodium, increases stress hormones (as the body works to maintain electrolyte balance), and promotes tissue swelling (edema). He noted that water retention is actually a sign of the stress/estrogenic state — healthy cells maintain their structure and exclude excess water.

Peat emphasized that the quality of cellular water matters more than total intake. Well-hydrated cells maintain structured water associated with proteins, while stressed cells become edematous (waterlogged) yet functionally dehydrated. He recommended drinking to thirst, ensuring adequate salt intake, and getting water from food (fruits, milk) rather than forcing plain water consumption.