Are we drinking our water right?

Are we drinking our water right? We keep hearing a lot of dos and don’ts about it, how much and when.  Some are confusing, some contradictory and some we just adopt as they simply sound logical.  This is my attempt at simplifying our understanding around water.

A bit of science first. Let’s look at the percentage of water in our body composition:

  • The human body contains from 55% to 78% water, depending on body size. A healthy adult body usually has around 71-72% of water (Is it a coincidence that our planet has same percentage of water?).
  • Brain – 75% water; Blood – 83% water; Muscles – 75% water; Bones – 22% water

Some major functions of water in our body:

  • Helps carry nutrients and oxygen to our cells
  • Helps liver and kidney in flushing out waste
  • Provides moisture and protects tissues/organs
  • Protects and cushions our vital organs
  • Lubricates joints
  • Regulates our body temperature

If interested in science behind water and our body, read more on how water acts as a solvent, plays an essential role in metabolic processes and cellular respiration.

Next, I have picked top 7 facts around water consumption that will help us in making conscious choice for or against any popular recommendation now and in future:

  1. Water consumption depends on the level of activity, temperature, humidity, and other health factors.
  2. ‘Water’ consumption requirement of our body is fulfilled by all the liquid or food that we consume and not just water.
  3. Human body is designed with a smart, in-built water requirement indicator – it is called thirst. So listen to the body signals, along with understanding exceptions.
  4. It takes approximately 60 minutes for the liquid to travel from your gut to your muscles. So, in exceptional situation like extreme weather conditions, strenuous physical activities or certain medical condition; we might be dehydrated even before we start to feel thirsty.
  5. Depending on whether we have consumed water empty stomach or along with food (type of food), it takes from 5 minutes to 120 minutes for water to fully absorb into our bloodstream from the time of drinking.
  6. Feeling thirsty does not mean we are dehydrated. Dehydration sets in when a person has lost 2% of body weight. So for a person with 100 kilogram weight, this means losing 2 kg of water.
  7. Not all water you drink gets absorbed by the body, especially if you drink a lot of water. Access water ‘needs’ to be flushed out in form of urine, sweat or stool.

Now based on these facts, bottom line is that water consumption will vary from person to person and we should trust our ‘thirst’ mechanism.  If it is less body will indicate, if it is more body will remove; it is all taken care for normal health in normal conditions.

Lastly, 3 simple tips from my experience are:

  1. Drink water when you feel thirsty and in moderation. Researchers believe that drinking 10% more than what quenches your thirst is the ideal amount.
  2. Drinking a glass or two of water, first thing in morning is a fairly accepted good practice. We can add lemon/honey to warm water or water can be kept overnight in a copper vessel.
  3. Knowing the importance of water, drink it slowly with a feeling of gratitude and with a conscious awareness of all the benefits it gives. This will go a long way!

Stay uncomplicated and stay healthy!

~ Piyush

Share this:

7 thoughts on “Are we drinking our water right?

  • September 25, 2015 at 12:26 pm
    Permalink

    Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured
    I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa?
    My website discusses a lot of the same topics as yours and I
    believe we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you’re interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
    I look forward to hearing from you! Wonderful blog by the way!

    Take a look at my blog post – joven skin care kit

    Reply
  • September 25, 2015 at 9:30 am
    Permalink

    Unquestionably believe that which you said.
    Your favorite justification seemed to be on the internet the easiest thing to be aware of.
    I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people think
    about worries that they just do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as
    well as defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people
    could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

    Reply
  • September 25, 2015 at 5:35 am
    Permalink

    Have you ever thought about addiing a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is important and all. Nevertheless imagine
    if you added some great graphics or videos to
    give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but
    with images and video clips, this site could
    undeniably be one of the greateswt in its field.

    Terrific blog!

    Reply
  • September 25, 2015 at 2:10 am
    Permalink

    I blog frequently and I truly appreciate your
    content. The article has truly peaked my interest. I will book mark your
    site and keep checking for new information about once
    a week. I opted in for your Feed as well.

    Reply
  • September 24, 2015 at 11:04 am
    Permalink

    Hey I am so glad I found your webpage, I really found you by accident, while I was looking on Bing for something else, Anyhow
    I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a remarkable post
    and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t
    have time to go through it all at the minute but I have
    saved it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read
    a lot more, Please do keep up the fantastic work.

    Reply
  • September 23, 2015 at 4:41 pm
    Permalink

    Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better!
    Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept preaching about this.
    I most certainly will forward this article to him.
    Pretty sure he’ll have a very good read. I appreciate you for sharing!

    Here is my blog post :: raspberry ketone benefits (Ahmed)

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *