The Importance of Water
We have all heard water is essential for our health… but why?
Water makes up the majority of your body weight and is involved in many important functions, including:
Eliminating waste from your body
Protecting your tissues, organs, and joints
Regulating your body temperature
Improving your mood and energy levels
Helping your brain function
However, many people do not consume enough water to satisfy their body’s water requirements causing them to be dehydrated. We can assess our hydration by our thirst and the colour of our urine. Feeling thirsty and dark coloured urine are signs that you are not taking in enough water. Pale or light coloured urine suggest good hydration.
So How Much Water Do We Really Need?
To figure out the minimum amount of water for your body weight there is a simple calculation. Take your weight in kilograms and divide that by 8. Then take that number and multiply that by 0.25. Your result will be the minimum amount of water in litres that you will need to take in daily.
For example, if you weigh 70 kgs:
(70 / 8) x 0.25 = 2.1875
A person who weighs 70 kgs will need to consume at least 2.2 litres of water per day.
Remember, if you are exercising or it is warm out, you need to drink considerably more water. Consuming your daily recommended amount of water will help maintain your current state of wellness, and may improve your overall health.
Are All Fluids Equal?
All fluids are NOT equal, although they are all made with water. Beverages such as coffee, tea, and sodas contain caffeine and possibly a high sugar content. Such drinks act as a diuretic and remove water from your tissues and cells causing dehydration. Natural fruit juices may be a better alternative but they too can contain a high amount of sugar. Diluting fruit juice with a 50/50 ratio with water would be recommended. However, your best choice is water. Adding a wedge of freshly squeezed lemon to your water adds a nice refreshing flavour while having a detoxing effect, especially on the liver.
To Ensure You Drink Enough Water:
Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go so you can drink as you feel the need
Remember your magic number (the calculation for the minimum amount of water for your body weight) and if possible get a container that measures close to the minimum amount your body needs
Try to consume half of your recommended volume by midday and you should be able to consume your total amount by the time you go to sleep
