The average adult loses 2 liters of fluid a day - more in hot weather. Water is
excreted through the skin, kidneys and with every exhalation of breath, so its
important that fluid is replenished regularly. According to a recent survey, most adults don't drink enough water.
When the body is dehydrated, however midly, it can lead to health problems such as headaches,
anxiety, dull-looking skin and a weakened immuned system. You should aim to drink one and a half to two liters of water
a day. If you work out, you should drink an extra liter for each hour of exercise.
Water is crucial to your health. It makes up, on average, 60 percent of your body weight.
Every system in your body depends on water. Lack of water can lead to dehydration,
a condition that occurs when you don't have enough water in your body to carry on normal functions.
Even mild dehydration - as little as a 1 percent to 2 percent loss of your body weight - can sap your
energy and make you tired. Dehydration poses a particular health risk for the very young and the very old. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include:
A dry mouth
Dark urine - It should be pale yellow color
When you pinch the skin on the back of your hand and its slow to bounce back
Persistent headaches - The brain is 75% water, so hydration improves mental agility and concentration
Mood swings
Sunken eyes or dark circles around the eyes
Bad breath - This is cause by a build up of bacteria. If you're well hydrated, the bacteria is flushed out
Constipation
Jane Scrivner, author of water detox, has these top tips.
Drink a glass of water as soon as you get up. This will hydrate you from the night before.
Instead of tea or coffee for breakfast, drink a mug of hot water with fresh lemon to cleanse your system.
Everytime you go to the toilet, take eight mouthfuls of water to replace the fluid lost.
Any drink containing caffeine has a dehydrating effect on the body. Drink herbal tea or water.
Make sure you drink a glass of water before your lunch and evening meal. This will dampen your appetite and stop you drinking with your food, which decreases absorption of nutrients.
Go to the toilet before you go to bed, but have your last glass of water before going to sleep.
Water Trivia
Human bones are 25% water.
When a ground water is contaminated, it may remain that way for several thousand years.
The elephant can smell water up to 3 miles away. Also, a dog's nose is so sensitive that it can tell the difference between a tub of water and a tub of water with a teaspoon of salt on it.
