It’s true! The body is made up water and other materials which all come together to form a human being – YOU! You are not only made up of water, but also other items found in foods you eat each and every day such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Interestingly, foods contain water along with these nutrients, and some foods such as fruits and vegetables are up to 90% water. Although a lot of water is in the foods you eat, your body cannot get all the water it needs from diet alone. It is necessary to drink water every day to stay healthy and energized!
Water, Thirst, and Dehydration
Many people believe that they only need to drink water when they feel thirsty, but the feeling of thirst lags behind the body’s need for water. In fact, when you are thirsty your body has already started to become dehydrated. Dehydration happens when the amount of water exiting your body is greater than how much you take in. This condition can be dangerous and may lead to weakness, exhaustion, mental confusion, or even death. Therefore, it is important to make sure you are drinking enough water. You can easily tell if you are dehydrated by looking at your urine. If it is dark yellow, you need to drink more water. If it is very pale yellow or clear, you are meeting your needs.
Daily Water Needs
In one day the average person loses about 2.5 liters of water. It is easy to see that getting this amount of water requires intake beyond the water found in food. Most people need between 7 and 11 cups of water per day. If you are physically active or live in a hot climate you may need more water than those who live less active lifestyles or reside in northern climates. Drinking extra water is also needed if are ill, pregnant or breastfeeding, or have other health conditions.
Healthy Effects of Water
Water is not just important to meet your body’s fluid needs. It also has many health benefits! Water is needed for every system of your body. It is used to flush bad toxins out of your organs, carry nutrients to your cells, and provide moisture to many body tissues including those in the ear, nose, and throat. Drinking plenty of water can help reduce the risk of developing many types of cancers including bladder, prostate, and breast. It can also help lessen your chances of getting kidney stones, a painful condition which can be caused by drinking too little water.
Water Tips and Tricks
So, now that you know how important water is for your body and health, how can you drink enough? Here are a few tips and tricks to help you take in the right amount of water:
- Keep water within reach at all times
- Drink water before, during, and after exercise
- Eat fruits and vegetables such as watermelon and tomatoes which are mainly made up of water
- Drink beverages such as milk and juice which are mostly of water
Water is important for your well-being! Drinking enough water ensures that you will have more health benefits and less health risks. If you have any questions or concerns about getting enough water, be sure to talk to your health provider. Water isn’t hard to get – always keep it with you and you will find that drinking enough water isn’t so hard after all.
[photo by darkpatator via Flickr]
