We drink water not just to quench our thirst. It’s essential to keep our body functioning properly and feel healthy. Most of our body systems, like the circulatory system, digestive system, excretory system, need water to perform their function so that we could survive. Drinking water flushes out toxins in a person’s body but there is always that question, How much is normal? You may too have that concern regarding water intake. How much water should I drink a day?

Here, we are going to give you a clear idea of proper hydration techniques so next time you feel low you know it’s because of dehydration or less water in your body.

Why does your body need water ?

Let’s agree that many functions that we can’t see or feel happen in our body daily involuntarily without our knowledge. Which helps us to breathe, think, or to feel. According to their properties, such functions are classified into different systems called circulatory system, respiratory system, nervous system, excretory, and so on. All these need plenty of water to function at their optimum level.

 Adequate body fluid presence regulates the body temperature and also dissolves and carries nutrients and minerals throughout the body and keeps your body hydrated.

What is dehydration ?

Dehydration happens when you use up or have to lose more water than you take in and other body fluids have to carry out their functions as a substitution. This occurs if you don’t drink water because you are sick or lack access to drinking water because you have been traveling, lost, etc.

Dehydration is also caused because of

• Vomiting

Vomiting can lead to severe loss of water from your body in a short amount of time, diarrhea along with vomiting can worsen the situation much more.

• Fever

Fever increases body temperature which leads to loss of body water content. The higher your temperature rises the more dehydrated you become.

• Excessive sweating

Hot and humid conditions or performing intense physical activity increases the amount of water you lose from your body.

• Increased urination

Certain medical conditions or situations can cause urination irregularities which are directly proportional to the rate of dehydration that occurs.

How much to drink a day ?

Basically, the rate of water consumption varies depending on the weight of a person but on average, it is said to be 8 glasses of water is said to be an ideal number.

That is approximately two liters of water a day, however, drinking too much water in a short period (3 to 4 liters of water) in a short period can cause water intoxication. It depletes sodium content in blood to low levels and upsets electrolyte balances. In severe cases, it is life-threatening and causes seizures, coma, and even death.

That is why professionals advise marathon runners, triathlon runners, and people lost in deserted water-scarce areas not to drink a lot of water at a time.

Things helps you to stay hydrated 

Certain tips could help us to stay hydrated and keep the body fluid level stable.

• Track your water intake.
• Always drink a cup of water after a meal.
• Keep water on hand on your daily commutation.
• Know your workout habits and drink water before, after and during exercise
• Drink a cup of water right before bed.
• If you have been out, always drink water after you are back home.

When to consult a doctor ?

Always stay hydrated, you may have to use restrooms more often than before, but your body will definitely thank you for it in the long run. If you think you have any problem regarding hydration, dehydration, or proper renal functioning of your body it is recommended that you consult a doctor first before you take any measures on your own.