Water: How Much Should You Be Drinking And Why
Research suggests that adults could live up to 2 months without food but only a matter of days without water, which shows just how important hydration is. We all know drinking water is healthy and most of us are aware we should drink more often, but how much water should you drink per day? We answer this question below before explaining the health benefits of water and the dangers of dehydration. Find out more now.
How much water should I drink?
There are many different opinions on the internet and from medical professionals about how much water you should drink. Men often require more than women, similar to calories, and it also depends on your weight and diet. Approximately, around 2 litres of water per day is a very healthy amount of liquids to consume. You will receive some liquids from food and alternative drinks, but spring water is the healthiest form of liquid. Some signs of dehydration are having a dry mouth and feeling thirsty, even after drinking.
Health benefits of water
Water is essential to keep your body healthy. It helps to repair and maintain cells, and cleanse your bladder. Here’s what else staying hydrated can do for your body:
- Carry nutrients and oxygen to your cells
- Helps digestion
- Prevents constipation
- Protects vital organs
- Promotes healthy joints and tissue
- Helps to regulate body temperature
Dangers of dehydration
Severe dehydration can be bad for your health. Being dehydrated can leave you with less energy and even cause death if severe enough. Your body needs water to function. Without it, the above won’t occur and when we say ‘benefits’ really we mean ‘necessities’. Let’s take a look at the adverse effects of severe dehydration:
- Extreme thirst
- Barely urinating
- Fatigue
- Feelings of dizziness
- Feelings of confusion
- Hallucinations
If you are experiencing these due to hydration, please consult a medical professional urgently.
Post-exercise
It is important to replenish the amount of fluids lost during exercise. When physically exerting yourself, you will sweat and, therefore, lose fluids. Drinking an electrolyte drink may help somewhat but this shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for water. Being dehydrated slows down the recovery process and can make you more prone to injury.
Book an appointment with one of our physios today to receive our holistic approach and receive more expert advice about hydration and diet.