Why and how much water should we drink
While a person can survive for weeks or even years with a deficiency of nutrients, life without water can only be sustained for a few days. Water, which makes up 60-70% of our body, is indispensable for life. Body water content shows individual variation and decreases with advancing age. Even though the amount of water decreases, its role and importance remain the same.
The true source of water is nature; besides living water, the body's water needs can also be met through mineral water (not soda), very light herbal teas, ayran (yogurt drink), and fresh fruit and vegetable juices. Water does not come only from liquids we drink—the water produced when nutrients are broken down also meets part of our needs. Still, the most valuable beverage is always plain water. As important as the amount of water consumed is when it is drunk and its quality. In particular, living water is water stored in glass bottles or earthenware containers, drawn from flowing streams, or revitalized by certain medical systems.
Tea, coffee, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are no substitute for water. In our country, heavily consumed tea, coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol not only fail to meet the body's water needs but, being diuretics, actually increase the body's need for water.
HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD WE DRINK
One of the most frequently asked questions is how much water is needed daily. The answer usually given is 1.5-2 liters. However, every individual's water needs differ. The amount scientifically proven through studies is 40 ml/kg. This amount should be increased when exercising (at least 500 ml before, 250 ml during, and an additional 500 ml after exercise), when consuming caffeinated and alcoholic beverages (an additional average of 200 ml of water per glass consumed), and up to 50 ml/kg during the summer months.
If you cannot measure your daily water intake and wonder whether it is sufficient, the most practical way to find out is by tracking the color of your urine; light-colored, nearly clear, and odorless urine is an indicator that enough water is being consumed.
WHY SHOULD WE DRINK WATER
Dehydration is not only a factor that facilitates or lays the groundwork for the development of disease, but also an important factor that hinders recovery. A dehydrated body cannot be expected to be healthy.
When daily water needs are not met, blood viscosity increases, and less oxygen and fewer nutrients are carried to the organs (as a result, hypoxia becomes evident); chronic dehydration (loss of fluid and water) occurs in the cells, the immune system weakens, and the body—unable to cleanse itself—becomes acidic over time, paving the way for disease. Dehydration leads to acidity, and acidity leads to disease. The disadvantages of dehydration will sooner or later show themselves, whether young or old, in sickness or in recovery.
Water, as important to sustaining human life as oxygen itself, has the following roles and importance in the body:
- It is the fundamental substance for the healthy nourishment of tissue.
- Found in saliva and gastric secretions, it supports the breakdown and digestion of food.
- It enables the elimination of toxins and other waste products from the body.
- It regulates body temperature.
- It ensures the kidneys function well.
- It keeps the joints lubricated.
- It plays an important role in all cellular reactions.
- It increases vitality.
- This list goes on... Because water is life.
To learn more about this and similar topics, you can benefit from my book "Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Guide."