According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), water accounts for around 60 per cent of your body weight. It is also used by your body's cells, organs, and tissues to maintain temperature and perform other functions. Thus, it is critical to rehydrate with water-rich foods and beverages due to normal water loss.
The Ideal Water Consumption Range
Men should drink 3.7 litres (15.5 cups) of fluids per day, whereas women should drink 2.7 litres (11.5 cups) per day (such as fruits and vegetables).
You are hydrated if it is pale yellow to light yellow. Meanwhile, dehydration causes a darker yellow colour to show up in your urine. Additionally, brown or cola-coloured urine indicates a medical emergency. Since urine colour is a viable determinant of potential medical illnesses, it’s vital to stay hydrated throughout the day.
The Role of Water and Its Benefits
The amount of water you need is determined by a variety of factors, including the weather, your level of activity, and whether you are ill or have other health issues. Moreover, there are scientifically-proven health benefits that you can reap when you drink water. Read on to discover them today.
1. Protects the Tissues, Spine, and Joints of the Human Body
Water keeps your tissues moist and quenches your thirst, according to the Mayo Clinic Health System. Do you know how it feels when your eyes, nose, and mouth are dry? The body maintains adequate moisture levels in these sensitive tissues, as well as in the blood, bones, and brain. Water also protects the spinal cord and serves as a lubricant and joint cushion.
2. Aids in Waste Removal and Digestion
Adequate water consumption promotes waste elimination via sweat, urine, and faeces. Water, according to the National Kidney Foundation, aids your kidneys in filtering waste from your blood and keeping your blood arteries open. It also helps reduce constipation. However, research shows that increasing one's fluid consumption does not always help with constipation.
Water is required for digestion. According to the Mayo Clinic, water promotes digestion and vitamin absorption. After drinking, your small and large intestines absorb water, which is then used to break down nutrients. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, stool solidifies as it gathers water. Soluble fibre, according to MedlinePlus, requires water to gel the fibre and properly slow down digestion.
3. Prevents Dehydration
When you exercise strenuously, sweat heavily in hot weather, or become unwell with vomiting or diarrhoea, your body loses fluids, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If any of these things are causing you to lose fluids, you must increase your fluid intake to re-hydrate your body.
In addition, your doctor may advise you to drink more fluids to help reduce bladder infections and urinary tract stones. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about increasing your fluid consumption, as your body will need more, especially if you're nursing.
4. Promotes Better Brain Function
According to a Chinese study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in June 2019, dehydration has been demonstrated to decrease memory, attention, and vigour.
It's hardly surprising, the authors say, given that water makes approximately 75 per cent of the brain. Normal physiological activity necessitates an optimal electrolyte balance. According to New York functional medicine specialist Gabrielle Lyon, electrolyte depletion can cause muscle weakness, weariness, and confusion.
5. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Water makes up the majority of your blood. Plasma, your blood's pale yellow liquid component, is actually 90% water. Dehydration causes blood to become more concentrated, resulting in an electrolyte imbalance (sodium and potassium), according to Susan Blum, MD, founder of the Blum Center for Health in Rye Brook, New York. These electrolytes are essential for muscle and heart health. As a result of dehydration, standing up may cause you to feel lightheaded or queasy.
Conclusion
Water is more than a tasteless beverage. It’s a liquid your body needs to perform and function properly every single day. So the next time you may want to drink fizzy carbonated drinks, a cocktail or a glass of wine, or even powdered juice over ice, perhaps you should reach for water instead! Sometimes, it’s all your body needs after all.
Are you looking for an eco-friendly water filter jug? Ecobud® has the goal of helping you achieve a more sustainable lifestyle. We offer one-of-a-kind and environmentally friendly products for both household and commercial use. Our designs and technology are aimed at making life easier and healthier at the same time. Shop from our store today!