Drinking water is oftentimes an overlooked action. When we’re busy or don’t feel thirsty, we tend to forget to stay hydrated. While they may not always be completely obvious, there are dangers to being dehydrated, including heat injuries, kidney stones and urinary issues.
For many years doctors have promoted that we should be drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day, or roughly 2 litres. However, health experts nowadays suggest 8 glasses is not always necessary. This is dependent on age, height and body weight, and so the amount of daily water intake differs with each person. 8 glasses is a suitable benchmark overall; you can adjust this amount according to your own needs.
The kidneys signify when the body needs water, such as when you feel thirsty. When this is not so obvious, monitoring your urine colour can help you identify if you need more water. Ideally your urine should be light yellow to clear.
Furthermore, drinking water is not the only method of water intake. Foods contain different concentrations of water, and also contribute to how much water is being consumed daily. Fruits and vegetables contain a high volume of water.
Note that certain age groups, such as children or the elderly, should take note of their daily water consumption as they are more prone to dehydration. Young children (aged 4-8) are advised to drink 1.2L a day, while older children (9+) should aim for 1.5L; elderly individuals should drink 1.7L daily.
As we approach or settle into hotter weather, it is crucial to stay hydrated. The body loses more water through sweating, and you can become more prone to headaches and heatstroke. By drinking more water, you can combat lethargy and low blood pressure, regulate body temperature, and flush waste out of the body.
Source: TED