Do You Drink Enough Water?

Did you know that drinking enough water is part of a healthy lifestyle regime? You can go without food for weeks, but you cannot go without water for more than just a few days. Sixty per cent of your body weight is made up of water.

Water is the all important lubricant your body needs, for it to function properly.

Why is water so important?

On a hot summer’s day, water is indispensable to quench your thirst. But quenching your thirst is just one of the important functions of water.

Water regulates your body temperature especially in hot weather, during exercise or when you’re ill;
It acts as a ‘lubricant’ keeping your tissues, spinal cord and joints moist;
Water is an essential element for good digestion;
It also aids in preventing constipation.

Signs of Dehydration

Dehydration cannot be treated lightly; it can kill you within three days.

How would you know if you’re becoming dehydrated? Waiting for thirst to strike, before you reach out for water, is not best practice. There are other signs which suggest you are suffering from mild dehydration, even before you feel thirsty.

Dark-coloured urine;
Headache, dizziness, feeling foggy and lightheaded;
Feeling tired;
Constipation;
Dry eyes, nose, mouth and tight skin.

How much water should you drink?

The famous ‘8 x 8’ – i.e. eight glasses of eight ounces – has been around for a long time. However, the amount of water you drink cannot be pinned down exactly. Different people have different requirements. The amount of water you drink is determined by the type of food you eat, the temperature of your environment and your activity level. Illness is another factor which impacts the amount of water you drink. For example, if you’re feeling feverish, it is important to regulate your body temperature by increasing your water intake.

A good guideline to follow is one millilitre of water for every calorie burnt. Therefore, if you consume circa 2000 calories in a day, aim for an intake of approximately two litres of water.

How do you keep yourself well-hydrated?

You can get some of your water through your diet. An adequate amount of fruit and vegetables contribute towards your water intake.

Prepare your water for the day and keep track of the amount of water you drink.

Avoid sugary drinks and remember that coffee and alcohol make you urinate often; they are not necessarily suitable re-hydrants.

Now that you know how good water is for you, make it part of your healthy lifestyle. Drink or sip good old water regularly, throughout the day. You may well find that you feel more energised too. Enjoy …

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