Benefits of drinking a lot of water

Is drinking a lot of water good for the body?

It is well known that every cell in the human body needs water to perform its functions properly [1]. As previously mentioned, an individual’s water requirement varies based on a number of factors, but it is important to note that this varies from person to person. It is important to know the body’s need for fluids to determine the amount of fluid to be consumed daily. Therefore, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommend drinking about 15.5 cups or 3.7 liters of fluid per day for men and about 11.5 cups or 2.7 liters of fluid per day for women. Pregnant women are advised to drink about 10 cups of fluid per day and 13 cups for breastfeeding women. It should be noted that these fluids include water, other beverages, and foods, as some foods provide about 20% of the daily water consumption.

On the other hand, excessive drinking of water can lead to a condition known as water intoxication, or water poisoning, which can result in disturbance of brain function. An increased water content in the blood can dilute the electrolytes, including sodium, leading to a decrease in the electrolyte concentration, and causing the fluids to move into cells, resulting in their swelling. However, it’s important to note that this condition is rare and not common.

General benefits of drinking water

Drinking water helps to achieve balance in the fluid levels in the body, which plays a crucial role in digestion and formation of saliva. Additionally, it is involved in the formation of the mucus in the respiratory tract and the mucus in the Genito-urinary tract. Water also helps absorb the shocks resulting from walking and running. It is also important for nurturing the fetus for protection. Furthermore, water is essential for maintaining and regulating body temperature.

Consuming adequate amounts of fluids can improve bowel movements and reduce constipation. It helps the body eliminate waste and toxins through urination, sweating, and defecation. Water also helps reduce the risk of dehydration and joint pain and protects the sensitive spinal cord and other tissues. It also helps absorb essential nutrients from food, such as vitamins and minerals, and transport them throughout the body. Water also helps muscles perform work by maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in cells, preventing muscle damage and enabling them to function properly.

Factors affecting a person’s need for water

As previously mentioned, an individual’s water needs vary, and some factors that affect their water requirement include:

1. Physical activity: Engaging in physical activity increases sweating, which increases the need for water to compensate for fluid loss.
2. Environmental conditions: Hot and humid weather increases perspiration, which increases the need for water.
3. Health problems: The body loses water through diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, so it is important to compensate for fluid loss by drinking enough water. It is important to note that there are other health conditions that require increased water consumption, such as urinary tract infections and kidney stones.
4. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women need more water to keep their bodies hydrated and reduce dryness.

An overview of the water

Water constitutes 60% of a human’s body weight and plays a vital role in all body functions. In fact, the body loses water through normal processes such as sweating, urination, and even dehydration. It is crucial to replenish lost water by drinking water and other liquids, however, the amount of water required by an individual may vary depending on activities and other factors. It is important to drink water when feeling thirsty, during physical exercises, and during hot weather. The color of one’s urine after waking up can also give a good indication of their hydration status. If the color is lemon yellow, then the person is well hydrated, but if it is closer to apple juice color, then the person may be dehydrated.