Here’s why you should drink water

The Basics

Water is essential for life. Our bodies are made up of approximately 60% of it! We need water for vital organ functions, to replenish ourselves after exercise or while working in a hot climate, and for amazing looking skin. You may have heard that 8 cups per day is sufficient for the average human being. However, when has anyone really fallen into the “average” category when it comes to height, weight, body type, level of physical activity and underlying health conditions? We know drinking water is good for us, so why is it so hard to drink it?

According to Wikipedia, the amount of drinking water required is variable. It depends on physical activity, age, health, and environmental conditions. In a temperate climate under normal conditions, adequate water intake is about 2.7 litres (95 imp fl oz; 91 US fl oz) for adult women and 3.7 litres (130 imp fl oz; 130 US fl oz) for adult men.

Did you know that women need more water than men? In fact, men need over 11 cups of water per day and women need over 15! Feeling thirsty? This is very different than the 8 cups I was brought up thinking that I needed.

Enhancing the Taste

Companies have created flavour boosters to enhance our water, since it seems that “plain water” is boring. Health experts have asked us to add lemon to our water to help detoxify internal organs. Did you know that lukewarm water is actually better for you than cold, as cold water can shock your system? 

The bottom line is, we need to drink more water. I have yet to meet someone who has been hitting or passing their water-drinking goal on a daily basis. Keeping a cup or water bottle by your desk, making sure you are adequately hydrated while at the gym, and choosing healthy foods with higher water contents will all contribute to an overall healthier lifestyle. Your body will thank you and your skin will look amazing!