The human body is mainly made up of water. In fact, water represents 60% of our body. This substance helps hydrate the cells of the body, transport oxygen to nourish the organs and eliminate waste that clogs the body. In short, water is essential to ensure that everyone has optimal functioning of their metabolic processes, as detailed in WebMd.
Some people find it difficult to drink water and may experience discomfort, fatigue and bad mood. However, no drink can replace water since it is irreplaceable and essential to the body. However, you can add some fruit to enhance this natural liquid. Also, did you know that how much you weigh determines your fluid requirement?
Indeed, it is commonly accepted that the daily amount of water to consume is between 1.5 liters to 2 liters. But there is a more exact method that lets you know how much water you need to consume to be healthy.
The method for calculating water needs
Water is our true source of life. And for good reason, you can go without food for several days, but certainly not water. Our body constantly needs to be hydrated to function.
According to nutritionist Hélène Baribeau, to know the amount of water you should consume each day, you must do the following:
If you are under 60: multiply your body weight in kilograms by 30 milliliters
If you are over 60: multiply your body weight in kilograms by 25 milliliters
For example, if you are 30 years old and you are 70 kilos, which will give 2100 and therefore, you must consume 2.1 liters of water.
In addition, the amount of water consumed also includes that found in fruits, vegetables, and other foods and beverages.
The benefits of water
Sufficient and qualitative water consumption offers many advantages to the body:
– It helps to lose weight
Nutritionists keep repeating how essential water is in a weight loss process. And scientists confirm it: drinking more water helps reduce body weight and fight against fat accumulation.
– It fights against constipation
To prevent constipation, fluid intake must be replenished. Indeed, water helps to accelerate intestinal transit and to fight against bloating and digestive disorders. Thus, scientific research indicates that a diet rich in fiber with a high water intake effectively fights against constipation.
– It regulates body temperature
Water has many health benefits. According to scientific research, water participates in the thermoregulation of the body. Drinking water helps regulate body temperature. Therefore, when it is hot, perspiration leads to water loss which naturally results in cooling of the body.
– It promotes physical performance
When a person exercises, he loses a significant amount of water. However, it is necessary to fill these water losses with sufficient hydration. Thus, by drinking water when exercising, we improve our performance while prolonging the duration of the effort.
– It fights against recurrences of kidney stones
Kidney stones are small stones that lodge in the urinary system and cause severe pain. According to a scientific experiment, people who have had urinary stones in the past can reduce the risk of recurrence by drinking more water and reducing foods rich in oxalate and calcium.
– It prevents certain diseases
Water participates in all the functions of the body. In addition, researchers indicate that it helps prevent various diseases such as urolithiasis, constipation, asthma, hypertension, hyperglycemia and various infections.
– It improves cognitive processes
Water affects every part of your body. Thus, it would seem that good hydration can improve concentration, memory and cognitive performance. Indeed, dehydration affects cognitive functions and is likely to induce fatigue and altered mood.