Our bodies constantly lose water as part of the metabolic processes. It is ejected from the body through urine, respiration, sweating, etc.
Water is the body’s principal chemical component and makes up about 50% to 70% of the body weight. It is essential for our survival.
What is Dehydration?
It is a condition that happens when the body doesn’t have enough water to perform its regular functions. Lack of water can cause this condition. You can become fatigued and lose your energy even from mild dehydration.
How Much Water Should You Drink?
60% of your body is made of water.
Experts advise eight 8-ounce glasses a day, or around 2 liters. This is known as the 8×8 rule, easy to remember. But it also depends upon your body.
- For women, 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) per day
- For men, 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) per day
This includes liquids from food, teas, juices, and water. The food you eat provides you with 20% of your total H2O intake on average.
Overhydration
However, drinking too much will cause overhydration. You might experience mild fatigue, feel distracted, or show no symptoms if you are slightly overhydrated. The brain cells can adjust to the increased fluid in your body if you drink slowly.
You may progress from mild overhydration to water toxicity, intoxication, or poisoning if you consume large amounts of liquid. This results from the overabundance of water in cells including brain cells, causing swelling.
Water is vital to human health; it makes up roughly 60% of your body weight. Drinking enough liquid regularly is important for your body. But drinking too much or not drinking enough water can cause health problems; balance is a must. So, drink the right amount to maintain your health.
Diksha Nayyar is a versatile writer with a passion for creating engaging and insightful articles on a wide range of topics. With a background in Journalism, she brings a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality content. Diksha has written extensively about health, social issues and technology, aiming to inform and inspire readers. Outside of writing, she enjoys trying out new restaurants and playing with dogs.
Comments