An average-weight man should drink about (a whopping) 3.7 litres of water per day and an average-weight woman should drink about 2.7 litres. However, most people seem to drink less than 2 litres per day and the effects of this compounds over time.
So, why is drinking enough water so important?
1. Everything in the body is made of water. The body is actually 70% water, meaning everything in the body needs water to maintain its integrity. We, therefore, need to maintain a water balance for a healthy body.
2. To make up for the water losses: Water is lost all day, every day via sweating (especially when we exercise), urination, and even breastfeeding for nursing mothers. We have to replace all of these to maintain a balance.
3. Kidney health: To keep your kidneys healthy, you need to drink enough water. Dehydration, especially when it’s persistent can lead to kidney problems. Kidney disease can in turn lead to high blood pressure. This means keeping your kidneys healthy by just proper hydration helps you avoid common chronic health problems.
4. Water helps us absorb some of our vitamins
5. Prevention of other issues like headaches and constipation. So, do you carry a bottle of water with you when you go out? Are you drinking enough water? Are you actually drinking water or juices and soft drinks?
Today, I encourage you to drink water; drink enough. Choose water instead of unhealthy drinks.
Contributor: Dr Ayobami Oduntan
(VMC Mafikeng, South Africa}
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