WATER IS LIFE
It is a simple question but not with a simple answer. The water need of an adult is varied depending upon various factors. Even though many studies have made different recommendations over the years, but an individual’s water needs depend on many factors, including his/her physical health, activity level, and location of habitat. No one’s formula is right for everyone. However, knowing more about an individual’s body fluid needs can help estimate how much water he/she needs to drink each day.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF WATER?
Water is the most important chemical in body, making up about 50-70% of human body weight. The body depends on water to survive. Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body needs water to function properly. For example, water removes waste from urination, sweating and bowel movements,maintains normal temperature,lubricates and plumps joints protects delicate tissues.Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when body does not have enough water to perform normal body function.Even mild dehydration can drain energy and leave a person tired.
WATER NEEDS OF AN ADULT?
A person loses water every day through breathing, sweat, urine, and bowel movements. For the body to function properly, replenishing water supplyand foods that contain water is necessary.
How much fluids does the average healthy adult need? The US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine have determined that the adequate daily fluid intake is:
About 15.5 cups (3.7 litres) of liquid per day for men
About 11.5 cups ( 2.7litres) of liquid per day for women
These recommendations apply to liquids in water, other beverages, and food. About 20% ofdaily fluid intake usually comes from food and the rest from water.
The advice of 8 glasses of water a day is most commonly heard and believed .Most healthy people can stay hydrated by drinking water and other fluids when they are thirsty. For some people, less than eight glasses a day may be enough. But other people may need more.
An adult’s total fluid intake may need to be adjusted based on several factors:
- 1. Exercise–Exercise causes loss of fluid in form of sweat that requires replenishing body of water.
- 2. Environment- Tropical climate requires more water for body.Even at high altitudes water requirement increases due to dehydration.
- 3. General health- If suffering from fever, a person requires more water.
- 4. Pregnancy and lactation -A woman goingthrough these phases requires extra water to feed another life.
IS WATER THE ONLY WAY TO STAY HYDRATED?
Fruits, food and beverages are other sources of hydration than water. Additionally, beverages such as milk, juices, and herbal teas are primarily made up of water. Even beverages that contain caffeine, such as coffee and soda, can increase daily water intake.
