Water is essential for life. It makes up 50 to 70 per cent of an adult's total body weight and, without regular top-ups, our body's survival time is limited to a matter of days. We are regularly advised to drink more water because of its countless benefits: it is responsible for the body’s growth and maintenance, helps get rid of waste and regulates temperature, and it provides a medium for biological reactions to occur in the body.
It also clears skin, reduces tiredness and aids concentration.
It also clears skin, reduces tiredness and aids concentration.
The body gets its fluid from three sources: Drinks, either plain water or as part of other beverages, solid foods and as a by-product of chemical reactions within the body. Water is lost from the body through urine and sweat, and must be replaced through the diet otherwise it can lead to dehydration and subsequently to a variety of symptoms like headaches, lethargy, loss of concentration, constipation and also kidney stones.
Now what is important is the quantity of water that we drink. Although most researchers describe drinking around 2 litres or 6-8, 250 ml glasses of water every day as an optimum intake, the quantity of water required by the body varies from person to person. It depends on a number of factors like physical activity and hot weather. A recent research has suggested that drinking at least 2 glasses of water before every meal helps to reduce weight and that too a pretty significant extent, almost around 5 lbs! This should however be accompanied with a low-calorie/low sugar diet otherwise the entire plan will fall apart.
Nothing in excess is good and like everything else we need to keep a check on our water intake so that we do not end up with water intoxication. If you drink too much water, eventually the kidneys will not be able to work fast enough to remove sufficient amounts from the body, so the blood becomes more dilute with low salt concentrations. The water moves from the dilute blood to the cells and organs where there is less water like the brain. This causes the brain to swell up, cause headaches and compress vital centres such as those responsible for breathing. Drinking several litres over a relatively short period of time could be enough to cause water intoxication.
What should be done?
- Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up and then begin your daily activities.
- Make drinks for yourself, remembering that tea, coffee and juices also count but watch our for the sugar content.
- Always keep a bottle of water with you in your bag so that it can come in handy when you’re on the go.
- Develop the habit of drinking atleast one glass of water with every meal.
- Thirst sensation is triggered long after you are dehydrated so do not wait to drink water until you feel thirsty.
- Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables as they are rich in water.
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