We tend to think about drinking water more when the weather becomes hot or after we have exercised. No matter the weather or your daily activities, maintaining a healthy fluid intake is important, especially if you have diabetes. Continue reading to learn why!
Water Facts
Approximately 60% of the human body is made up of water. That may seem strange since we think of the body as being composed of bones, muscles, tissues, and blood. But a deeper look into the inner workings of the body reveals some surprising facts:
- About 80% of the lungs are water
- The kidneys and muscles consist of 79% water
- About 70% of the brain and heart is water
- Water makes up 64% of the skin
- Bones contain about 30% water
Why Do We Need Water?
You might wonder, why so much water? Here’s what it does for us, besides quenching thirst:
- Keeps tissues in the eyes, mouth, and nose moist
- It produces saliva
- Regulates body temperature
- Transports nutrients to cells
- It aids digestion and prevents constipation
- Lubricates joints
- Cushions organs and tissues
- Flushes out waste products
- It improves your ability to think, remember, and pay attention
In fact, drinking water makes you a healthier eater. A study from 2016 showed that the participants (more than 18,300) who drank one percent more water a day consumed less sodium, sugar, and saturated fat. This results in consuming fewer calories, which can lead to weight loss. This can be especially helpful if you drink water just before a meal.
How Much Water Do We Need?
Several factors throw a curveball in determining a person’s water or fluid needs. You may need more (or less) water depending on your exercise level, climate, health conditions, and pregnancy. However, to give you a reasonable idea of what you need, the adequate daily fluid intake is considered to be:
- Men need about 15.5 cups of fluids a day
- Women should drink about 11.5 cups of fluid per day
If you have questions about your own fluid requirements, it is always best to consult your healthcare provider. If you have congestive heart failure or kidney disease, you may need less fluid. It is also possible to need more fluids at certain times, such as when you are ill or have a fever.
Keep yourself healthy by ensuring you are drinking an adequate amount of water every day.
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