How much water should you drink daily?
Too much of sports, but nothing about maintaining a proper health and exercise regime to be like your favorite sports star. Let us begin doing this from today. Water, is the most abundant, yet we’re unaware of the many brilliant facts it represents.
How much does one in-take during the entire span of a day? For the non-doctors. And those who are least interested in reading magazines and articles related to this technical stuff of our human body. One must have at least 8 glasses of it.
It is your body’s principal chemical component and a natural detoxifier. But few are aware of how much should we ideally drink every day. Moreover, the popular 8 by 8 rule which says that one should drink eight glasses. Each consisting of eight ounces of water, may not suit every individual.
What are the benefits water and why should we have a min of 8 glasses?
Water is our body’s principal chemical component and makes up about 60 percent of the body weight. Every system in our body depends on it. For example, it flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to the cells. And also provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues.
Lack of water can lead to dehydration. A condition that occurs when you don’t have enough of it in your body to carry out normal functions and you start feeling limp. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.
Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water.
So how much fluid does the average, healthy adult need?
The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly about 13 cups (3 liters) of total beverages a day. The AI for women is about 9 cups (2.2 liters) of total beverages a day.
Everyone has heard the advice, “Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.” That’s about 1.9 liters, which isn’t that different from the Institute of Medicine recommendations.
Although the “8 by 8” rule isn’t supported by hard evidence. It remains popular because it’s easy to remember. Just keep in mind that the rule should be: “Drink eight 8-ounce 7 glasses of fluid a day,” because all fluids count toward the daily total.
Usefulness of water in diseases
There are several health problems that may respond well to increased water intake:
· Constipation: Increasing its intake can help with constipation, which is a common problem
· Cancer: There are some studies showing that those who drink more water have a lower risk of bladder and colorectal cancer.
Although other studies find no effect of water on the prevention of cancer and carcinogenic cell formation.
· Kidney stones: Increased water intake appears to decrease the risk of kidney stones
· Acne and skin hydration: it is often advised by the adults in the family, to drink plenty of water to reduce the formation of pimples. And keep the skin hydrated. It is because when the skin gets heated. The bacteria present on the topmost layer activates and results in pimples and acne. Thus it is important to keep the skin cool and hydrated.
Maintaining water balance is essential for our survival.
Like every other system in our body specialized for some purpose. We also have organs to keep a check on the water level present in our body. Thus when our body starts to lack water quantity, this is when those organs make you feel thirsty. And the need to drink kicks in.
This is controlled by mechanisms similar to things like breathing…. we don’t need to consciously think about it.
For the majority of people, there isn’t any need to worry about water intake at all. The thirst instinct is reliable and has managed to keep us humans alive for a long time.
There is no actual science behind the 8 x 8 rule. It is completely arbitrary.
There are certain circumstances that may call for increased intake… that is, more than simple thirst commands.
The most important one may be during times of increased sweating. This includes exercise, as well as hot weather and places like the desserts!!
If you’re sweating a lot, make sure to replenish the lost fluid with water. Athletes doing long, intense exercises may also need to replenish electrolytes along with water.
Water need is also increased during breastfeeding. As well as several disease states like vomiting and diarrhea.
Older people may need to watch their water intake. Because some studies show that the thirst mechanisms can start to malfunction in old age. Thus we need to make it a habit to drink at least 8 glasses of water or say 10 glasses to keep our body hydrated and avoid many problems.
Stay healthy, Drink lots and lots of water!!
Promote good health and play!
