Final answer:
The correct answers are 9 cups of water per day for women and 13 cups for men, with these intakes including water from all dietary sources, such as beverages and foods.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recommended daily intake of water from beverages is 9 cups for women and 13 cups for men. This recommendation, provided by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine (IOM), is part of the Adequate Intake (AI) for water which is set at 2.7 liters (about 11 cups) for women and 3.7 liters (about 15.6 cups) for men. However, it's essential to recognize that these intakes consider all sources of dietary water, not just liquids but also water contained within solid foods. In America, it is approximated that 20 percent of water intake comes from food. Considering the regulation of water intake and loss, the human body takes in an average of 2500 mL of fluid daily, which must be balanced with water output to maintain homeostasis. The kidneys play a crucial role in this balance, conserving water when necessary or expelling excess water. Since water is vital for bodily functions such as digestion, circulation, and regulation of body temperature, maintaining balanced water intake is crucial for health and wellness.