Drink Water for Health and Avoid Chronic Dehydration

May 5, 2010
Karla Beatty

Water is Essential to Good Health - Kristiaan

Understand the health benefits of drinking adequate amounts of water. Stave off dehydration to feel better and have more energy.

Water is the most common element on earth. It makes up about 60 to 70 percent of human body weight. Water is the body’s principal chemical element. A person’s blood is mostly water. The liver, lungs, muscles, and brain also contain a lot of water. Water is essential for all parts of the body to function properly.

Drinking Plenty of Water is Healthy

Water is important to good health. The body is designed to run well on water and minerals. The body has tremendous self-healing processes that depend on water. The presence of water :

flushes out toxins from vital organs.
regulates body temperature.
carries nutrients to the cells and organs.
provides a moist environment for delicate tissues.
promotes ear, nose, and throat health.

The quantity and quality of the water has a positive effect on health. Even a person’s energy level may be linked to the amount of water taken. Proper digestion and nutrient absorption depend on a healthy intake of water. Sugars and carbohydrates are absorbed more quickly, thus there is a positive effect on calories, regulation of fat, and weight loss. The quality or purity of water is important, as well.

Replacing Adequate Amounts of water

A body loses water throughout the day. Urination and sweating sheds much water. Moisture is also lost simply through breathing. The more active a person is, the more water is likely expelled. Coffee, tea, alcohol, and other substances can cause a body to lose significant amounts of water. This water must be replaced each day through beverages and food.

When not enough water is taken, the body shows signs of dehydration. This happens when a person doesn’t take in enough water to carry out normal functions. The first sign of dehydration is thirst. Mild dehydration can reduce energy and make a person feel tired. Other symptoms include chronic pains in joints and muscles, headaches, and constipation. Urine may have a strong smell and be dark yellow or amber in color. Severe dehydration can cause delirium, unconsciousness, or death.

The amount of water needed each day depends on the individual. Factors include level of health, activity, or even location, such as in desert or dry regions. There is no single formula or clear cut guidelines. Here are some ways to estimate how much to drink.

Replace fluids based on urine output. The average person urinates about 1.5 liters of water a day. Breathing, sweating, and bowel movements account for another liter. The total is about 2.5 liters to account for. Food may be as much as 20 percent of fluid, so about 2 liters should be taken in through beverages. Water is the best replacement fluid.
Follow the “8 by 8” guideline. Drink 8 glasses of 8 ounces of fluid each day. That’s about 1.9 liters. Try to make most or all of it water for the best hydration.
Monitor the color of the urine. Drink enough so that the color of urine is pale yellow, close to clear.

Drink Enough to Stay Well Hydrated

Though thirst is an obvious signal, it’s better to drink water before feeling thirsty. It’s best to stay well hydrated, considering the major role that water plays in body functions. Follow these tips:

Drink it whenever you think it.
Drink from a water fountain whenever you pass one.
Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning. Have at least one glass of water with every meal.
Carry portable bottled water when traveling or for outdoor activities.
Keep water bottles clean for the best taste or add a bit of lemon or lime to enliven the flavor.

The body human runs best with adequate water. Keeping the system well hydrated allows cells, blood, and vital organs to function smoothly. Even mild dehydration drains energy and leads to discomfort. Access to clean drinking water is a basic human need and essential to good health.