The Importance of Drinking Water
This page will answer your questions about the importance of drinking water.
What is the importance of drinking water?
- Getting enough water every day is important for health, as about 60% of the human body is made up of water. Water also plays a role in keeping all body systems functioning well, as drinking water can prevent dehydration, which may cause confusion, mood changes, fever, constipation, and kidney stones. Additionally, water has no calories, so replacing sugary drinks with plain water can help reduce calorie intake. Drinking water helps the human body to:
- Maintain a normal temperature.
- Protect joints.
- Protect the spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.
Eliminate toxins through urine, sweat, and bowel movements.
- What are the misconceptionsabout drinking water?
- Drinking water while eating causes indigestion; in fact, drinking water during mealshelps improve digestion and is a way to keep the body hydrated.
Warm water is better than cold water; there is no scientific evidence that warm water is more beneficial to the body than cold water, as the temperature of the water is a matter of personal preference and does not affect hydration.
What are the risk factors for dehydration, “not drinking enough water”?
When fluids are lost more than they are taken in, the body becomes dehydrated, which can lead to headaches, dizziness, or digestive issues. Mild dehydration can affect mood or memory, or the ability to process information. These symptoms often disappear once the body is rehydrated, and medical care is often needed with severe dehydration, as it can lead to more serious problems, such as: Confusion, kidney failure, heart problems, and a person can also experience “severe dehydration”, and although this is not common, athletes and individuals with certain medical conditions are more prone to severe dehydration. Symptoms of severe dehydration are often similar to those of normal dehydration but may require medical attention. For example, health problems can occur for participants in prolonged physical activity, such as “marathon races”.
What are the ways to prevent dehydration, “not drinking enough water”?
- Here are some tips that help maintain continuous and sufficient water intake to avoid dehydration, including:
- Carry a reusable water bottle at all times.
- Replace sugary drinks with water.
- Choose water when dining out.
- Serve water during meals at home.
Add flavorings like “lemon or cucumber” to water.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the recommended amount of water for adults per day?
Recommendations state that the amount of water for women is 6-8 cups (1.5-2 liters) and 8-12 cups (2-3 liters) for men. For children, recommendations vary by age. For infants, those under 6 months get all the hydration they need from breast milk or formula. For infants aged 6 to 12 months, you can offer small amounts of water in addition to breast milk or formula, but this is not necessary.
- As for children, those aged 1 to 3 years need 4 cups (1 liter) of water daily. While children aged 4 to 8 years need 5 cups (1.2 liters) of water daily. Children aged 9 to 13 years need 5-6 cups (1.2 – 1.4 liters) of water daily. Finally, teenagers aged 14 to 18 years need 6-8 cups (1.5 – 2 liters) of water daily.
When does a person need to drink more water?
- A person needs to maintain higher water intake in the following situations:
- In hot climates.
- When exposed to significant physical activity.
- When suffering from a fever.
