Ever gone a full day without a glass of water? How did it feel? Bet it was not the best experience.
Water is very important for proper body function. The human body is made up of about 60-75% water, so imagine how you would feel if you had no access to water.
How much water is ideal?
The body is constantly losing water not only through obvious processes like sweating and urinating but also from just breathing. This is why it is very important to always stay hydrated and replenish what is being lost
Ideally, it is recommended that women drink about 2.7 litres (11.5 cups) of water per day, and for men, about 3.7 litres (15.5 cups) is recommended daily.
Certain conditions can necessitate the need to consume more water than usual. These factors include:
Your location
People who live in hot, dry areas are encouraged to drink more water because they are at a higher risk of dehydration
Activity levels
A person who is more physically active, who goes to the gym or engages in manual labour would drink more water than a person who is not as physically active
Nature of diet
People who consume a lot of caffeinated drinks may have to drink extra water because of the water they lose through frequent urination.
Nutritional habits
People who do not eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and those that consume spicy and sugary foods often also need to drink more water.
State of your health
A person who is sick with typhoid or any other illness that makes them lose body fluids should drink a lot more water to make up for what they lose. If you are also on medication that makes you lose fluids, drink more water.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should also drink more water to keep up with the needs of their bodies and the bodies of their babies.
Benefits of Drinking water
Water has immense benefits to the organs in the body. Here are some ways drinking water and staying hydrated can improve and maintain your health
Movement of oxygen and nutrients around the body
Red blood cells in the blood are what carry nutrients and oxygen to the tissues in the body. Staying hydrated helps your blood cells function as they should.
Water keeps your skin looking fresh
Dehydration leaves your skin vulnerable to disorders and can promote premature ageing.
Aids the digestion process
Water aids healthy bowel movement. Being dehydrated makes it difficult for waste removal to occur.
Protects the kidneys
Not drinking enough water every day can cause the formation of kidney stones and lead to kidney damage.
Lubricates joints
The synovial fluid that lubricates the joints is mostly comprised of water. Drinking water keeps the joints healthy and flexible.
Maintains of blood pressure.
Without water, blood would become thicker than normal and this can lead to high blood pressure
Promotes of healthy weight loss.
Drinking water before meals gives your body the feeling of fullness and you are less likely to overeat
Regulates body temperature
Studies suggest that dehydration increases the body’s heat storage capacity and reduces the person’s ability to tolerate the heat stored.
No matter your everyday routine, state of health or even your nutritional requirements, water is necessary to maintain good health and wellness. You do not have to wait till you are thirsty to drink water. Thirst is already a sign that you are dehydrated. Drink water at regular, frequent intervals to stay healthy. Speak to a doctor on Doctall if you notice you might not be feeling your best.
