Drinking water is the best medicine

Know that about 60% of our total weight is water, and that our organism's function is essential.

It is quite common to hear that water is good for health and that we should consume it daily.But not everyone can put this good habit on their priority list of healthy actions. Well know that about 60% of our total weight is water, and that its function in our body is one of the most important.

We must think of water as a nutrient that our body needs, and that is present in liquids, and in food. Fluid loss occurs continuously through the skin, breathing, urine, and feces, and these fluids must be replaced. When we are unable to replace lost fluids, we can become dehydrated. The loss of fluids can be more accentuated in hot climates, during arduous exercise, in places of high altitude, and in older individuals whose sensation of thirst may be altered.

How much water should we drink daily?

So, although it is defined that we should consume at least 8 glasses of water a day, the truth is that this amount varies from person to person. Depending on the individual's weight, it is recommended that the amount of 0.03L per kilo of weight be consumed. A person of 60kg for example should consume 1.8L of water per day. 

This calculation is done in general, and it is important to remember that a high-performance athlete, for example, can lose a liter of water per hour, which means that he must consume more water. It is also necessary to take into account that water is not only acquired through the consumption of liquids, but a good part of the liquids comes through food

Signs that you are not drinking enough water

If we are not consuming enough water for the proper functioning of our body, we will become dehydrated, and our body's functions may be compromised. Some signs that we are not drinking enough water are:

• Mouth, eyes, and dry skin
• Feeling tired and cramping
• Constipation
• Darker urine
• Excessive fatigue

Benefit of drinking water

It can help to control weight – the water does not contain any elements that favor weight loss, but the option of drinking water instead of caloric or alcoholic drinks certainly enhances weight loss.

It regulates body temperature  – our body uses perspiration, which is the outflow of water through the pores of the skin, to cool our body if temperatures rise. When we are well hydrated our cooling, system works better.

Helps prevent kidney stones – the kidneys have the function of filtering the blood, and the more water we drink, the more diluted our blood becomes, and the more easily the kidneys can eliminate nutrients that are too much in our body through urine, including elements that cause kidney stones.

It improves blood circulation– - the more water we consume, the greater the volume of our blood and the more fluid it gets. The greater the volume of our blood, the lower the risk of hypertension and heart disease.

Transport of nutrients and elimination of toxins– with the increase in water consumption and the consequent increase in blood volume, there is a good transport of nutrients in our body. At the same time, the kidneys provide better filtration of toxins through the urine.

Tips to increase your water intake

Not everyone is able to drink enough water, so some tips help to increase the intake of this precious liquid for health:

• Drink a glass of water before each meal
• Drink a glass of water always after urinating
• If you are thirsty it means you are already dehydrated, drink water even if you are not thirsty
• Drink flavored, or carbonated water