Recommended Daily Water Intake

Water is considered as the most essential fluid for life. Why not, more than 50 percent of the body weight is contributed by water. The function of water in the body is attributed to carrying out the biochemical reactions, delivering nutrients to the cells, hydrating the body tissues and excreting waste materials out of the body. In brief, every system of the body depends on water for performing the normal functions.

When we refer to any food and nutrition data, it often suggests us to drink 8-ounce glasses of water everyday to remain healthy and fit. But, is there any medical evidence that supports this statement? or is the daily water requirement for adults the same as children? Let's take a brief look at the recommended daily water intake that the body requires for smooth functioning of the system.

Recommended Water Intake Per Day

The water intake per day recommended to stay healthy depends on various aspects, including the area you live (either cold or hot), the level of activity you perform on a daily basis and your overall health condition. Hotter the climate, the more you sweat and consequently, the higher is the amount of water that you should drink. Likewise, water requirement is more if you perform exercises or other activities that make you sweat. Health conditions that cause excessive excretion (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea) is another factor that increases the recommended water intake per day.

There is no simple answer for, how much water should an individual drink per day? However, daily water consumption varies as per individual requirements. For an adult, drinking 2 liters of water with additional liquids is sufficient for normal functioning of the body. Whereas, the daily water requirements for children depend upon the body weight. For a child, the recommended water intake per day is the number of ounces equal to two-thirds of his or her body weight.

The water introduced in the body is lost in various activities, such as breathing, perspiration or sweating, urination and bowel movements. Eventually, the water level in the body is decreased, which needs to be replenished again. This is the way water is lost from the body and the reason why we require drinking water everyday. As long as you drink water in an amount that's equivalent to the lost water, your body will remain hydrated and function smoothly.

The signs that indicate adequate amount of fluid in the body are rare incidences of thirst and passing at least 1.5 liters of colorless to slightly yellowish urine per day. On the contrary, lack of water in the body causes dehydration, a condition in which the body cells and tissues cannot function properly. In such a condition, we feel tired very easily and our body displays a lack of activity tolerance.

According to medical experts, we should drink water at frequent intervals, not only when we feel thirsty. As per their opinion, the body is already going through dehydration by the time people feel thirsty. Another indicator for lack of water in the body is passing of dark-colored urine. These are the easiest signs that reflect the fluid level in the body. Read more on drinking too much water.

Water and Foods for Hydration

Being a zero calorie and inexpensive fluid, water is the best solution to meet the daily fluid requirements for the body. So, keep water within your reach every time, you go out. However, it is not mandatory that you have to drink only water, so as to make up for the recommended daily water intake. In fact, the food we eat also contribute to the bodily water level by about 20 percent. You can incorporate foods and beverages like tomatoes, watermelon, cucumber, milk and fruit juices, etc. in order to satisfy the daily fluid requirements of the body. The tip is to consume healthy foods along with ample amounts of water and stay hydrated and healthy!