With so many guidelines telling us how much water we need to drink, what supplements we need to take and what food we need to eat in order to stay healthy, it can be tough keeping track of it all. Many people take for granted just how important water is for your body, and supplement those nutrients for soda or sugar-filled drinks. This can have a long term impact, and you won’t even know it. So, how much water do we really need to drink per day?
Why water is important
Firstly, it’s essential to understand what water does for your body, and without this knowledge, you will struggle to prioritize water over another, more inviting, drink. A key figure to remember is that water makes up an estimated 60% of your total body weight, and is a necessary component for your body to survive. The longest amount of time, at a stretch, that your body can go without water, is ten days. However, the more likely scenario is around three. So, why is water so important, and what does it do for your body?
What does water do for your body
Water is what makes your world go round, and we mean it. Water is the key, and a very important, one to regulating your internal organs and functions. Every organ down to every cell requires water to function properly and survive. But that’s just the basics. Water allows your body to perform smoothly from your bowels to your sweat glands; all necessary for everyday life. Drinking enough water has been said to actively increase your brain functionality, allowing you your brain to sustain information more efficiently. If you do not drink enough water, then your body will become dehydrated, and everything will slow down, this can potentially cause your kidney function to reduce, increase risk of internal infections, and even confusion.
Is it just water that counts?
Surprisingly, no. It’s not just water that adds to your daily guideline amount, but it is the best one for you, and the one you should consume the most of. So, what other things count? Coffee, tea, and milk can all count toward hydrating you. That’s not all, certain foods can also contribute a significant amount, especially fruit and vegetables as they hold a lot of moisture. It is still essential to focus on intaking water on its own.
How much water do we need?
Your water intake is based on the activities you do throughout the day, although there is a daily guideline amount that acts as a positive benchmark. For men, it is estimated to be around 3.7 liters, and women are estimated to need about 2.7, all of this depends on weight and body mass. However, as a roundabout benchmark, 8 cups a day are recommended.
By drinking more water, you will live a healthier and more energetic life. By using these basic guidelines and judging for yourself based on how you feel, you will be able to determine how much water you should be drinking.
