How Much Water Should You Drink?

We all know that in order to survive, we need to drink a certain amount of water each day – but how much exactly do we need?

Most health experts agree that we should drink 2 liters of water per day. This is because water is a fundamental requirement for the proper functioning of our bodies. We need water to digest food, to control our body temperature and to cushion our joints. It even serves as a protective layer for our brain. The human body consists of 60% water and for good reason; without it we would not be alive.

Small decreases in water levels can reduce our concentration whilst a significant decrease can result in dehydration. This results in nausea and vomiting, heart palpitations and weakness. If it is severe, our organs will shut down. Our hearts requires water to pump blood to our vital organs and if there is insufficient water, our organs will be starved of oxygen and die. This can happen to the liver, kidneys, heart and brain.

It is important to remember that because our organs use water to perform their important functions, it needs to be replaced. This becomes even more crucial if you are exercising or in a hot climate which makes you lose fluids through sweating.

It may be tempting to try and obtain your 2 liters a day through soft drinks, but it is not the best idea. Whilst soft drinks are composed mainly of water and will allow your body the water it needs, they also contain many harmful ingredients like sugar. Sugar content is especially high in most sodas and is therefore not a healthy way to reach your daily requirement for water intake. Additionally, sodas often contain preservatives and caffeine, which in large amounts is very unhealthy. Therefore, the healthiest way is to drink pure water. It contains no calories, sugars or fats.

As well as allowing your body to fulfill its normal functions, drinking plenty of water has the benefit of making your skin look younger. Your skin is 64% water and it requires regular top-ups for skin cells to be hydrated. When skin cells are hydrated your skin looks full and radiant. Regular intake of water also flushes out toxins from your body, making your skin clear and pimple-free. Furthermore, it helps boost concentration and mitigates the effects of tiredness by making your brain more alert.

It is extremely important to avoid dehydration but equally as dangerous is over-hydration where the body receives too much water. This can flush the nutrients out of our bodies and can cause weakness and fatigue. Shockingly, there is also a chance that brain cells become enlarged and swell which is a potentially fatal condition. Therefore, stick to the recommended daily allowance of 2 liters.

Overall, the importance of drinking water cannot be overstated. However, to enjoy its benefits, it is important to drink it in the right quantity.