Your body is made up of 60-70% water. It stands to reason that sufficient water is necessary for the ongoing health of nearly all your body's functions. Among many other reasons, you need water to keep joints lubricated, flush toxins out of your body, deliver nutrients to your cells, and keep mucous membranes moist. In short, oxygen is the only thing you need more than water to survive.
Experts differ on the daily amount of water needed to remain healthy. The most well-known guideline is the 8X8 rule - eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day for adults. However, many doctors and scientists dispute this as being too high, pointing out that your necessary water intake is as unique as your body itself. People who weigh more than average, live in higher altitudes, extreme climates, or exercise a lot are naturally going to need more water than someone who is petite, sedentary, and lives in a temperate area. In fact, forcing too many liquids can be damaging to the liver and kidneys.
What's the most sensible rule of thumb? Follow your thirst and be aware of your situation. Don't ignore a dry mouth or papery skin. Remember that when you are exercising or sweating you may need more water than you are used to. Change your hydrating routine when your environment changes. Drink extra water when you are ill - especially if you have diarrhea or vomiting - pregnant or breast-feeding. The idea is to replace any water you lose so you can recover naturally.
Be aware of the symptoms of dehydration: light-headedness, nausea, headache, thirst, fatigue, and dizziness. Having a sluggish day? You may just need a glass of water to boost your energy and keep you going. Dehydration means that the body will pull water from internal sources to help keep functions working. This "emergency" water is mainly provided by your cells, both internally and externally. About 8% is taken from your blood, making it thick and difficult to pump. If you are already prone to hypertension, high cholesterol, or heart disease, this can cause serious implications. Don't ignore the symptoms when they occur. After all, the cure is right there in front of you every day and doesn't require a prescription.
It's true you can hydrate with any number of liquids - even solid foods contain water that contributes to hydration - but doctors agree that the best for you is fresh, clean water. It makes sense, when you consider that your blood is 82% water, your brain about 70% and your lungs a whopping 90%. You can't say that about sports drinks. Plus, water has no calories or artificial flavorings to counteract the benefits of drinking it. An added bonus: if you have good tap water at your home, it's cheaper than any of the bottled drinks on the market. There are not a lot of things out there that are both good for you and so inexpensive!
Despite the controversy of how much water you need to drink every day, the fact remains that you need water to survive and keep your body functioning smoothly. Being aware of your body's needs and knowing the signs of dehydration can help keep you fit and happy for a long time.
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