How Much Water Do We Need to Drink Daily?
Every life form on Earth requires water to survive – but how much do human beings need to drink to be healthy and practicing the Active Wellness lifestyle?.. Well it really depends on the individual and there are a variety of opinions from researchers and health authorities.
The human body is composed of approximately 60% water and we’re constantly losing water from perspiration and other bodily output. We therefore drink water to replenish and prevent dehydration. Water is required for virtually every bodily function, including flushing toxins from organs, carrying nutrients to cells, cushioning joints and helping to digest food.
When the water content in the human body goes below certain levels, we experience the feeling of thirst. When this happens, we reach for water to rehydrate. As simple as that process is, this automatic thirst mechanism becomes less accurate with age, so the older we get, the more conscious we need to be to hydrate throughout the day, even when not feeling thirsty.
Our water requirements vary depending on age, weight, physical activity, general health and the climate we live in. If we live in hot climates, we will perspire more and require more water. If we have a job that requires strenuous labour, we will require more water than someone sitting at a desk in an air-conditioned office. The National Academies of Sciences recommends for women a total of 2.7 litres of liquid daily, including all beverages and water-rich foods.1 For men, the recommendation is a total of 3.7 litres of liquid daily, including all beverages and water-rich foods.2
Similarly, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) also recommends three litres daily for men and two plus litres daily for women. They state that children and teens generally require 1.5 to 2 litres daily, with the addition of plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are water-rich.3 During exercise, the goal is to drink between 1/4 – 1/2 litre of water every 15-20 minutes.4