You probably familiar of the facts that around 60% of the body is made up of water and around 71% of the planet’s surface is covered by water. Water is essential for our bodily functions, such as delivering oxygen throughout the body, lubricating the joints, regulating body temperature and preventing kidney damage.
Health Benefits of Drinking Enough Water According to Science
Many scientific studies show that drinking water can help you stay hydrated and prevent your body from health problems and diseases.
Dehydration can cause severe headaches and migraine in some individuals, so it is very important to drink water to relieve headaches. Increasing fluid intake daily is often recommended when having constipation problems.
Some evidence shows that drinking water can help prevent a repeated occurrence in people who have kidney stones problems. Higher water intake enhances the volume of urine passing through the kidneys. This dilutes the concentration of minerals, so they’re less likely to crystallize and form clumps. Water may also help prevent the initial formation of stones, but this requires more research and studies to confirm.
Your brain is strongly affected by your hydration status. That is why you need to stay hydrated to increase energy levels and improve brain functions.
When drinking alcohol, the body loses more water than you take in. Good ways to stay hydrated and reduce hangovers are to drink a glass of water between drinks and have at least one big glass of water before going to bed.
Recommended daily intake of water
Depending on factors like sweating and physical activity we need to drink different amount of water on a daily basis.
Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommend consuming the following amounts of water on a daily average, from both food and drink:
- For men- approximately 3.7 liters (125 ounces).
- For women – about 2.7 liters (or 91 ounces).
This would be about 15.5 cups and over 11 cups for healthy men and women. However, this could not be all from water. Around 80 % of this should come from drinks, and the rest will be from food. Higher amounts may be needed for those who are physically active or exposed to very warm climates.
When to be worried about drinking plenty of water
Excessive consumption of water is rarely an issue for individuals who are in good health and well-nourished. On occasion, athletes may consume an excessive amount of water in an effort to avoid dehydration during prolonged or intense physical activities. When an individual consumes an excessive amount of water, their kidneys are unable to eliminate the surplus water effectively. Consequently, the sodium concentration in their blood becomes diluted, leading to a condition known as hyponatremia, which can pose a serious threat to their life. That’s why it is very important to be aware of the symptoms of drinking too much water.
How do you know if you are drinking enough water?
Determining whether you are consuming enough fluids can be done by considering a few factors. Firstly, if you rarely experience thirst, it is likely that your fluid intake is sufficient. Additionally, if your urine appears colorless or light yellow, this is another indication that you are adequately hydrated. However, for a more accurate assessment, consulting with your doctor or dietitian is recommended. They can provide guidance on the appropriate daily amount of water intake for your specific needs. To ensure proper hydration and prevent dehydration, it is advisable to prioritize water as your beverage of choice. It is beneficial to consume a glass of water with each meal and in between meals. Furthermore, it is important to drink water before, during, and after exercise. Lastly, if you feel thirsty, it is a clear sign that you should drink water to replenish your fluids.
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