We all know the importance of drinking enough water for our body. During my early years, whenever I fell sick, I would hear the following phrases:
"Drink more water"
"You didn't drink enough water"
"I've asked you to drink more water, but you didn't listen"
"You wouldn't have fallen sick if you drink more water"
Now, what is so special about this tasteless fluid that we can't seem to live without? If you're like me, you would have preferred to drink other types of colorful and tasty-looking thirst-quenching drinks. But really, there's no other fluid that can replace water and our body can't live or function well without it.
1) Why is water so important to our body?
We are basically composed of water. Depending on numerous factors, it is estimated that our body contains about 65% of water. That is alarmingly high! And you thought our skins, bones, muscles & tissues are the major components of our body? Wrong... That's not even half of it.
In fact, all the organs and our body system need water to function properly. Lack of water might cause inefficiencies for our vital organs to flush out toxins and nutrient transportation to our cells (that explain why I often fell sick a few years ago)
Loss of more water than the necessary water intake will result in dehydration too. Familiar with symptoms such as headache, thirst, discomfort, tiredness and lack of focus? It might be your body telling you that it needs more water. If continues, it might be fatal!
As a general knowledge, a human couldn't live without water for 3-4 days.
2) What is the benefit of drinking enough water?
Apart from getting your body to function normally and keeping you alive, drinking enough water has the added benefit of making you fitter, leaner and healthier.
Check out this article on how water makes her looks 10 years younger.
Not only that, preventing dehydration is important to me as I’ve noticed sometimes I couldn’t focus properly and lack alertness without water. It causes tiredness as well, thus distracts me from enjoying whatever activity I’m doing and to make things worse, I had to deal with the headache. Mind you, all this happens internally so those who don’t know might think I’m being moody or sick.
3) How many glasses of water should I drink each day?
There’s no correct answer to this as it depends on your body size, the sort of activity you’re doing, and the environment that you’re in. But as a rule of thumb, I’m sticking to the 8 glasses of water per day rule, which is about 2 liters of water.
Certain foods also contain water and could contribute to your daily water needs. Vegetables, fruits, juices and milk (not your typical burgers and fries) do contain water, but I generally don’t take this into consideration as it is very hard to count. Furthermore, plain water is the best as it is inexpensive and readily available.
One way to know when you’ve had enough water is through your urine. If its colorless or light yellow, then you probably have adequate water in your body. Listen to your body too. If you’re feeling thirsty, it's your body telling you that it needs water.
4) Any tips on how I can drink enough water each day?
Drink at least a glass of water with each meal.
In between meals, try to drink a glass or two.
Drink a glass before and after exercise.
Keep a bottle of water in your office.
Whenever I’m out for a drink, I’ll try to order a bottled water instead of soda.
The magic potion of life
Want to know the magic potion for longer and healthier life? You don’t have to spend lots of money or venture into some exotic jungle to drink from an ancient spring. It is probably right in front of us, readily available and cheap. It is simply water.
Now share this out.
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