Water-our lifeline
We all know water is our lifeline. 60% of our body is water. If we don’t drink enough water our body becomes dehydrated. Dehydration is a condition where due to inadequate water in the body normal functioning of the different organs is affected.
Fluids in the body are responsible for carrying out the following main functions:
- Amount of saliva
- Digestion of food
- Movement of nutrients in our body
- Regulating the temperature of our body
- Elimination of waste from the body through urine
- Elimination of waste from the body through sweating
- Proper functioning of kidneys
- Proper bowel movement
- Water also helps in weight loss
- Cells also need fluid for their proper functioning
- Water also keeps our skin in good health
- Helps deal with urinary infection.
How much water should we take?
As discussed above water is needed for a number of very important body functions. Water in our body is consumed in these processes. It needs to be replenished sufficiently. A small drop in water proportion can interfere with the normal functioning of our body. Most of us may like to know how much water should we take. You see, there cannot be a single specific quantity for all of us. The amount of water to be taken every day can vary according to several factors.
Physical activity and exercise – If the activity you are doing makes you sweat more then you have to adjust your water intake according to that The loss of fluids from the body happening due to exercise has to be compensated in the form of extra intake of water/fluids, This may be all the more important after the activity as considerable loss of fluids from the body happens due to sweating.
Any medical condition -There is a certain illness where you have to alter the number of fluids as per the requirement or limitation of the condition. Like in the case of constipation your doctor may advise you to increase water intake and in the case of some cardiovascular or kidney condition the water, intake may be restricted.
Climate – The type of climate we live in also impacts our daily fluid needs. In very cold climates and winters, our need for water is different from the requirement during summers or humid situations.
In general, any healthy normal person shall take around 3 liters of fluids.
