The human body can last weeks without food, but only a few days without water. The body is made up of an average of 55 to75 per cent water. Water forms the foundation of our blood, digestive juices, urine and perspiration and is contained in lean muscle, fat and bones.
As the body can’t store water, we need fresh supplies every day to make up for losses from lungs, skin, urine and feces.
Drinking refreshing, clean water plays a huge role in reducing the risk of certain diseases.
Usually, the loss of body water through urination is greatly increased by the ingestion of decaffeinated and alcoholic beverages. These drinks have a diuretic effect, pretty much meaning they stimulate the kidneys to excrete more urine. Not only do we lose water, we also lose water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin B (thiamine) and other B complex vitamins.
Did you know that for every caffeinated or alcoholic beverage you drink, you need to add an additional glass of pure water?
A diet containing lots of fruits and vegetables will supply about 4 cups of water per day. Even with a diet high in fruits and vegetables, it is still necessary to drink an additional 6 to 8 cups of water per day to supply enough water to meet the body’s daily needs. For every caffeinated or alcoholic beverage you drink, you need to add an additional glass of pure water.
Dehydration occurs when the water content of the body is too low. This is seamlessly fixed by increasing fluid intake. Symptoms of dehydration include:
Eventually urination stops, the kidneys fail and the body can’t remove toxic waste products. In extreme cases, this may result in death.
Approximately six to eight glasses of a variety of fluids can be consumed each day. More than eight glasses may be needed for physically active people, children, people in hot or humid environments, and breastfeeding women. Less water may be needed for sedentary people, older people, people in a cold environment or people who eat a lot of high water content foods.
