Did you know that we can survive up to a month without food, but not more than three or four days without water? That’s how essential water is to our bodies. These days’ people lay so much emphasis on the right diet, correct amounts of proteins, vitamins, and minerals but what very few realise is that water is the oil that keeps the engine of our bodies running smoothly.
Water: The Body’s Hidden Hero
List out all the things your body does in 24 hours- blinking, breathing, digesting food, sleeping. Water plays a vital role in almost each one of these. It transport nutrients from your food to your cells, flushes out waste products, regulates your body temperature, cushions your joints, and even helps your skin stay healthy and fresh.
60% of the human body is made of water. That means more than half of you is water! Have you ever wondered why you feel tired or sluggish if you haven’t had enough water? This is the reason. Our body runs on water.
How Much Water Do We Need?
A common advice doing the rounds is to drink eight glasses of water a day. However, each person’s water requirements differ. Your water needs depend on your body weight, your activity levels, your lifestyle, age and even the kind of climate you live in. For instance, a marathon runner on a hot day will need much more water than someone reading indoors on a rainy afternoon.
The golden rule is to listen to your body.
Dehydration: When Your Body Sounds the Alarm
What does less water intake do to our bodies? It causes a variety of symptoms from headaches to dizziness to lack of concentration to dry skin. Mild dehydration may make you feel sluggish, but severe dehydration leads to dangerous health issues. That is why it is so important to stay hydrated.
Only Water?
Think about what you drank yesterday. Was it mostly water, or did you consume other liquids like sodas, tea/coffee, or energy drinks? You might say these are also liquid and thus help in hydration but what you need to keep in mind is that these drinks often come with caffeine, sugar, or extra calories that can dehydrate you instead of hydrating you.
Tip: If you find plain water boring, infuse it with lemon slices, mint, or cucumber for a refreshing twist.
Making Hydration a Habit
What are some of the ways in which you can get into the habit of hydrating yourself? Carry a water bottle. Out of mind is often out of sight. If you see a water bottle or a tumbler near you, soon it will become a habit to take a few sips of water regularly. Another thing that works is setting reminders on your phone or smartwatch. Remember, hydration is not just about – it’s about giving our body the fuel it needs to work efficiently. Start thinking of water as your most essential nutrient.
