Water: Why do you need it...? What ever the season...?

Whatever the season, keeping oneself hydrated is imperative. However, the chances of getting dehydrated are the most in the summer heat. One tends to lose around 2.5 litres of water simply by sweating, breathing and waste removal.

Along with water, you lose electrolytes and minerals such as sodium, potassium and calcium, which help maintain the balance of fluids in the body. Although one can replenish the lost water and electrolytes through diet, food and liquids. If the amount of water lost exceeds the amount that can be replaced, you get dehydrated.

Why do you need it

1. Detoxification. Water helps wash out the toxins from the body, cleansing the system. This results in healthy functioning of the kidneys and liver along with easy circulation of blood, fluids and other necessary elements inside the body.

2. Not having enough water might lead to the formation of blood clots, especially in the summer as water is lost faster during this time of the year.

3. It regulates bowel movement. Drinking enough water prevents constipation as it helps quick digestion of food.

4. It moisturises skin. Water controls and regulates the skin's natural balance. When water is warm, it has the power to revitalise, detoxify, and oxygenate the skin. Warm water also gets rid of blackheads and makes large pores smaller.

5. Drinking water invigorates the body, replacing the moisture lost due to everyday activities.

6. Water is the best thing to drink, since it has no sugar, sweeteners and preservatives in it.


How to make sure you get enough

1. One should avoid having water along with the meals. Ideally a small amount of water should be had hourly.

2. Drink six to eight glasses of fluid every day. This is the minimum amount required by the body.

3. Increase your fluid intake if you are active. When exercising, drink something every half an hour.

4. Make sure you consume water first thing in the morning. Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day because the body has been fasting the whole night. It's the same with water.

5. If you know you are going to be out in the sun the entire day, carry a bottle of water with you.

6. Drink before you feel thirsty. If you're thirsty, it means that you are already dehydrated.

Fact Box
Everything in your body contains water.

    * The muscles are 75 per cent water
    * The human brain is 76 per cent water
    * The blood has 82 per cent water
    * The lungs have 90 per cent water