The real problem is that we drink water when we feel thirsty but it should be opposite that we must drink enough water so that we don’t feel thirsty
By: Daljit Kaur
Staying hydrated in every season is important. You may have heard of 8×8 rule of water, which states that you must drink 8 ounces of water every day, which is equivalent to 2 liters. But how do we measure that we have drank enough water. The real problem is that we drink water when we feel thirsty but it should be opposite that we must drink enough water so that we don’t feel thirsty. Hydrating body is very important but many of us don’t consume enough water for the day. Around 60% of your body is made of water and 71% planet’s surface is covered with water as well. Perhaps it is the ubiquitous nature of water to present in body to run it better.
Why you must drink water to keep yourself healthy
In your lifetime, you must have had constipation, enough water in body keep constipation at bay. Constipation is prime cause of many disease in the body and long constipation can cause damage to your body as well. Whereas, well hydrated body will not have a constipation problem. Water works as best lubricating agent for your joints, cartilages and disks. Long term dehydration can cause joint pains, tear of joints and reducing the shock absorbing abilities. Water is very important for keep running your healthy body & mind.
For a beautiful and glowing skin too, we must drink water empty stomach. Water prevents premature wrinkles and skin disorders. In interviews, celebrities swear by that they drink water to keep their skin glowing and healthy body. Water cleanses the stomach in morning and also helps in weight loss. About 90% of blood is water and it helps to carry oxygen to different parts of the body. Less water means less oxygen to body parts, which may cause dizziness and nausea.
Water in the body keeps the body temperature in control and moist. Water forms saliva that helps us to digest food. Water keeps the body moist, which prevents frictions and damage as well. Water cushions all sensitive body parts and tissues, which helps us in many ways. Less water can affect body structure and function. Water is involve in production of hormones and neurotransmitters which is very important. Prolonged dehydration can lead to complications in thinking and reasoning as well.
Maintain your BP & nutrients with water
The body digestive system depends on water intake. Less water can lead to heart burns or stomach ulcers. Water helps in flushing body waste. It also helps in maintaining blood pressure and make nutrients and mineral for body. Without water your body is a mere skeleton so you must drink enough water to maintain proper function. Water prevents organ damage especially kidneys and help you during exercises. Water regulates your body and its function and you must take water in appropriate amount.
There is no hard and fast rule to drink certain amount of water but you mustn’t keep your body dehydrated. Dry lips are the first indication of dehydration; hence you must keep yourself hydrated. You may drink according to how active you are, how much you sweat and so on. But there is minimum bar set which is 2 liters a day. In times like fever, hot weather, diarrhea, vomiting, physical activity and excessive sweating you take lot of fluids.
Lot of people do ask that other than water we take coffee, tea, juices, drinks which is also form of water, is it ok? Nothing can replace the form of water in your body. Apart from your minimum water intake, you can take other fluid items as well. Water intake varies as per the biological clock of your body, but you must not let it drop below certain points. When babies are born their body is made of almost 75% of water but it decreases to 65% within a year. Water is very essential for everyone and we must respect the fact that we need water to survive.
About the author
Daljit Kaur is the Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute
