How is Water intake linked to Good Health?

How is Water intake linked to Good Health?

Water plays a very important role in helping us maintain good health. Altogether the quantity as well as quality of water influences the health and well being of an individual.

Today, we have Dr. K.M. Sunsesara - General Physician, Mumbai and Ms. Eileen Canday - Chief Dietician at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai help us understand the concept of how water intake is linked to good health... 

Why is water intake important for good health? 
75% of our body and 85% of our brain is made up of water. Dr. Sunesara says, "More than food, water is the most important nutrient needed for the wellbeing of your body. In order, to complete your daily tasks, it is necessary to consume sufficient amount of water daily. To maintain proper health and to keep running throughout the day, your body needs lots and lots of water. Sufficient intake of water is not only good for your health, but also for your diet. Water also aids in proper functioning of various systems. It helps in digestion, absorption of food, regulating body temperature, efficient blood circulation, regulating cells of the body by transporting nutrients and oxygen to them and by removing various toxins from the body in the form of urine. Besides, water also helps in movement of the joints, protects various tissues and also boosts your metabolism." Dr Sunesara says that we must drink plenty of water to avoid detrimental effects on our bodies due to dehydration and to perform your daily functions effectively. 

Why is dehydration bad? 

Sufficient intake of water will help to keep your body very well hydrated. Dr. Sunesara says, "Dehydration is very bad for your body. When you are dehydrated, your body has to work more to evenly distribute the available water throughout your body, it is like solving math's by not knowing the formula. The various side effects of dehydration are joint pain, stomach pain, back pain, dizziness and ulcers. Besides, dehydration can damage each and every part of your body, including your psychological functioning. Hence, to avoid dehydration and its harrowing effect, keep drinking water at regular intervals." 

How much water do we need? 

"An average healthy individual needs to consume at least 1 ½ - 3 liters of water everyday," says Eileen. The consumption of water depends on the physical activity level of an individual. If a person is very active, he needs to drink more water, in order to substitute replacement. Besides, you can also judge, if you are drinking sufficient water by noticing the color of your urine. If your pee is pale white, that means you are fulfilling your daily ration of water, but if it is pale yellow then it means you probably have to increase your water intake. 

How can one increase water intake? 

-Drink water when you wake up, when you get back from work and when you go to bed. 

-Drink before starting any physical activity like walking etc. 

-Drink water while you work. 

-Drink before meals. 

-Drink while you are travelling. 

-Replace coffee with water. 

-If you find your water tasteless, then add a dash of lime juice and get refreshed. 

Source:-The Times of India