HOW MUCH WATER DO WE NEED?

Water is one of my favourite things as now. One short story is that when I was younger, I hardly took water reasons because I always forget to take it. But right now it’s a whole different story because I crave water and let’s also say, to incorporate the healthy living lifestyle I try to pick water over other types of drinks. (Emphasis on the “try” please lol!!). Water they say is life. Without it, there would be no existence of life. Our development and evolution are in one way or another connected to this seemingly tasteless, colourless and odourless substance.

The average adult’s body is about 60 – 63% water, The body itself is approximately 70% water, the brain is made of about 80% water, 99% of our body molecules are water, our kidneys comprise of  up to 83% water and the list goes on and on. Although water is unexciting and easily overlooked, it has many benefits secretly hidden within itself and I’m so happy to be sharing it with you today.

What exactly are these benefits of water?

• Water helps in regulating the body temperature by keeping the body’s temperature at an average level
• water may help fight sugar craving and control appetite
• It helps to maximize physical performance and aid cognitive function. Research has shown that inadequate intake of water can affect physical performance. This is why water is very important during physical activities
• It aids digestion, helps to prevent constipation and helps to keep a healthy appetite.
• Water may help prevent headaches and migraines. when you are having those slight headaches, this could be your body telling you it needs water. so, before you drown yourself with all sort of drugs, please endeavour to check if your body has gotten the amount of water it needs for the day
• It lessens the burden on the kidneys and liver by flushing out waste products through the process of perspiration, urination, and defecation.
• Water helps to dissolve minerals and other nutrients taken into the body making these minerals and nutrients easily absorbed and accessible to the body.
• Water also keeps the cardiovascular system healthy and increases the optimal functioning of the brain. This keeps one active and sharp for the day
• Water moistens tissues in the body such as those in the mouth, eyes and nose.
• It also promotes skin health keeping the skin bright and shining by promoting collagen production. So if you are a 'skin goals geng' then water should be your friend.
• Water helps increase metabolism and this improves mood and helps to boost energy levels

How much water do you need?

We lose water every day through breathing, sweating (or perspiration) and digestion. For the body to function normally, it will need constant replenishment of fluids (water). So the question is how much water is needed?

The adult male needs about 15.5 cups (3.7litres) of water, while the female needs about 11.5 cups (2.7litres). Children from ages 4 – 13 years need about 6 – 8 cups (150 – 250 ml) but this also increases with age – daily.

The amount of water intake can also be affected by various factors such as

• The environment: Hot weather leads to sweating and this requires additional intake of fluids. So, consuming more water than normal during this period can be understandable.
• Exercise: Activities that cause sweating, also need the replenishment of water and if it is intense and lasts more than an hour a sports drink can be employed.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding need to stay hydrated. It is recommended that a pregnant woman should drink about 10 cups (2.4litres) of water daily and breast-feeding women should consume about 13 cups (3.1litres) of water a day.
• Health status:  people with health issues like fever, vomiting or diarrhoea; are required to drink more water or take oral rehydration solutions but this should be according to doctors recommendations. Other conditions like bladder infections and urinary tract stones require increased water (fluids) intake.

Water is an indispensable substance. I hope this article has been able to share insight on why not just taking water alone but taking adequate water is essential for our well being. We can't always take up to 13 cups of water in a day but the goal is to get an adequate amount of fluid into our system. 

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