Is drinking 8 glasses of water enough? How much should you drink every day? - Times Now

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Water intake: How much is enough?&nbsp

Key Highlights

• Water is essential to sustain life, well, almost all life. 

• Human settlements through the ages have been along the banks of various water sources.

• Water is essential to good health. Are you getting enough? These guidelines can help you find out.

Your body is mainly water. The principal chemical component that makes up about 50 per cent to 70 per cent of your body weight is water -- the fluid you cannot survive without. Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly. Water moves the wastes out of your body through urination, perspiration and bowel movements. Water maintains the body temperature, provides lubrication to joints, helps the brain process its functions. 

Lack of water can lead to dehydration — a condition that occurs when you don't have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. 

You are losing water constantly, through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. One needs to replenish the body's water stock by consuming beverages and foods that contain water.

How much water does your body need daily?
How much water one drinks daily is governed by individual needs -- that in turn are determined by several factors, including one's health, how active one is and where one lives. No single formula fits everyone. But knowing more about your body's need for fluids will help you estimate how much water to drink each day.

According to the Mayo Clinic (that cites U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine), an average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate needs:

• About 15.5 cups (3.7 litres) of fluids a day for men
• About 11.5 cups (2.7 litres) of fluids a day for women

These recommendations cover fluids from water, other beverages and food. About 20 per cent of daily fluid intake usually comes from food and the rest from drinks.

So, why are we asked to drink 8 glasses of water every day?
That is a ballpark figure, a benchmark pegged at some safe limit. It is easy to remember and also sounds less intimidating than the cups and litres counts. 

But if you exercise or take part in any activity that makes you sweat, you need to drink more water to make up for the loss. If you live in hot or humid weather or tropical climate like India where the summers can be extreme, excessive sweating may take you to the brink of dehydration, so beware.

Also, when one is suffering from health issues like vomitting, diarrhoea etc. one must follow the doctor's advice to ensure oral rehydration therapy. Treatments for bladder infections and urinary tract stones also require to be accompanied by a good water intake.

But those on treatment for kidney or liver diseases must listen to their doctor's advice on how much water to drink. Certain kidney ailments or treatments determine the intake of water as per the treatment protocol. 

Not just water, count the other drinks:
In addition, beverages such as milk, juice and herbal teas are composed mostly of water. Even caffeinated drinks — such as coffee and soda — can contribute to your daily water intake. To prevent dehydration and make sure your body has the fluids it needs, makes water your beverage of choice. It's a good idea to drink a glass of water:

Could you drink too much water?
This is not a common happening. But beware of unreasonable challenges such as drinking beyond your thirst and competing to drink more and more water against your need for water consumption. When you drink too much water, your kidneys can't get rid of the excess water. The sodium content of your blood becomes diluted. This is called hyponatremia and it can be life-threatening. Sometimes some illnesses and medications such as kidney failure, congestive heart failure, diuretics (water pills), antidepressants and pain medication can cause hyponatremia.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.

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