Do You Drink Enough Water? How Many Glasses Of Water Have You Drunk Today?
We all know that living things as well as humans need water to survive but the question is are you drinking enough water to maintain good health.
In this article, we present to you about 15 good reasons why you should make sure you are taking enough water and how to make sure you are taking enough water. Read this article to get more insight into drinking water and justify if you are really doing your best at it.
Water is needed in every cell in your body and your brain cells are no exception. Water is a vital part of our everyday lives and is used by our bodies in many different ways. It's so important that humans can't survive for more than a week without fresh water. A lot of us underestimate the importance of drinking water daily and don't truly appreciate what water does for our bodies. Remember, it is not only about drinking water but also about drinking potable water.
What Are The Ideal Sources Of Drinking Water
While mineral water and alkaline water may offer certain nutritional benefits, it is crucial to prioritize safe and uncontaminated water as our primary source of hydration. Although water can be obtained from foods with high water content, such as soups, tomatoes, and oranges, most of our water intake comes from drinking water and other beverages. Milk and juices also contribute to our fluid intake, while beverages containing alcohol and caffeine, like soft drinks, coffee, and beer, are not ideal choices due to their potentially empty calories. Opting for water instead of soda can support weight loss efforts, as water does not introduce unnecessary calories.
Why Drink Water?
When asked this question, the obvious answer is that we are living things and we need water to survive. This is not wrong at all, but there is far more to that. Let's learn deeper what water does to the body and why we cannot survive without it.
1. Water delivers oxygen throughout the body
About 90 percent of the blood in the human body is water and the blood is responsible for distributing oxygen to different parts of the body.
2. Water is needed for digestion of food.
3. Drinking enough water prevents kidney damage
The kidneys regulate fluid in the body hence insufficient water can lead to kidney stones and other problems.
4. Water is required for excretion or the removal of waste from the body specifically, urea and faeces.
5. Water regulates body temperature
During high temperatures, water stored in between layers of the skin comes to the skin surface as sweat and evaporates from the skin surface causing the body to cool.
6. Water maintains blood pressure.
Low water levels in the blood make the blood thicker leading to an increase in blood pressure
7. Water transports oxygen and nutrients to the brain for optimal mental function.
8. Water lubricates the joints.
Cartilages found in between the joints contain 80 percent water and this helps in lubricating the joint reducing the risk of joint pains.
9. Water forms saliva (which aids digestion) and mucus keeping the mouth, nose, and eyes moist.
10. Drinking enough water enhances skin health and beauty by preventing skin dehydration and premature wrinkling.
11. Water dissolves minerals and nutrients in the body making them available to all other parts of the body.
12. Drinking water improves the activities of the respiratory system.
Drinking enough water helps to thin the mucus lining your airways and lungs enabling them to function well. This reduces the chances of acquiring respiratory diseases such as asthma.
13. Drinking enough water reduces the chances of getting hangovers and stomach ulcers.
14. Drinking enough water improves general body energy levels.
15. It cushions and improves the activities of the nervous system by regulating the production of hormones and neurotransmitters.
Facts on drinking water
- Adult humans are 60 percent water, and our blood is 90 percent water.
- There is no universally agreed quantity of water that must be consumed daily.
- Water is essential for the kidneys and other bodily functions.
- When dehydrated, the skin can become more vulnerable to skin disorders and wrinkling.
- Drinking water instead of soda can help with weight loss.
The daily water intake requirement varies from person to person based on factors such as activity level and sweat production. While there isn't a fixed amount of water that everyone must consume each day, there is a general consensus on what constitutes a healthy fluid intake. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the average recommended daily water intake is approximately 3.7 liters or 125 ounces (around 15.5 cups) for men and approximately 2.7 liters or 91 ounces (just over 11 cups) for women.
This means that men should aim to drink around 100 ounces or 12.5 cups of fluid, while women should aim for around 73 ounces or just over 9 cups. It's worth mentioning that fresh fruits, vegetables, and all non-alcoholic fluids contribute to meeting this daily water intake recommendation.
It is also recommended to take a lot of water in the following situations;
- When you have a fever.
- During high weather temperatures.
- When you have diarrhea and vomiting.
- During periods of intense physical activity.
What Happens If You Don't Take In Enough Water?
Simply, dehydration happens when the body doesn't have enough water as it needs. Dehydration is the loss of water from the body tissues. As a result of metabolism, the body loses water through several ways which include sweating, defecating, breathing, urinating, tears, and spitting. All these fluids must be replaced through a process called rehydration and this could be done by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water.
How Do You Know You Are Dehydrated?
1. Constant headache
2. You develop lazy bowel syndrome or constipation
3. Fatigue
4. Dry and dull skin
5. Dry mouth
6. Muscle cramps
7. Less frequent urination (a condition called Oliguria)
8. Dark yellow urine
Cases of severe dehydration might include symptoms like;
- Fast heartbeat
- Rapid breathing
- Sunken eyes
- Dizziness
- Low energy levels, confusion and sleepiness
REFERENCES
[1] Fifteen benefits of drinking water - MedicalNewsToday
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/290814
[2] The Importance of Drinking Water - parkwayeast hospital
https://www.parkwayeast.com.sg/health-plus/article/the-importance-of-drinking-water#:~:text=You%20need%20water%20to%20stay,body%20at%20an%20optimal%20temperature.
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