The right amount of water to drink is always a big question. What we should all know is that we humans are composed mostly of this element. For this reason, water consumption must be abundant. This is the best way to maintain the balance and functioning of our organism.
We are what we eat, but also what we drink
When we are born, our body is composed of 75% water. In adult life, on average, it is formed by 65% to 70% of this element.
Water is necessary to carry out all the activities we carry out during the day. Therefore, it is necessary to perform the replacement correctly. Only then will we maintain good hydration.
For adults, the recommended intake is 2 liters (for women) and 2.5 liters (for men). This is widely disseminated information, however, there is not necessarily so much scientific basis on it. In any case, this is always a good average, but there are some reasons to doubt them.
Food also has water
It is important to note that we are also able to ingest water through food. In this case, fruits and vegetables are foods that are also almost entirely composed of water. Beef, poultry and fish also provide water for our bodies.
T Using the wrong amount of water can change the amount of electrolytes
The body needs a specific amount of some types of minerals, such as potassium and sodium. Excess water can dilute this concentration and also change the required concentration of these minerals in our blood.
Keep an eye on over hydration
Hyponatremia is a real danger. It currently causes more damage to runners than dehydration. To reach that extreme, a constant excess of water combined with a low salt intake is necessary. This can drastically reduce blood sodium levels to the point of long-term negative effects.
It is important to make it clear that no one gets hyponatremia by drinking 3 or 4 liters of water. However, this behavior can constantly lead to this state. It is important to keep an eye out.
You can find information on hydration in sports here on the blog.
I look at the source of drinking water
There is little point in making the correct water intake during the day, but looking for this element from sources that are not reliable.
Drinking a lot of water, but not of quality, can expose us even more to compounds that can cause us problems. Chlorine, fluorine, for example are some of them.
Knowing the source of the water we are ingesting is essential. In that case, prefer bottled water by the correct companies, or filters that have certification.
Finally, it is essential to know that the recommended amount of water can vary greatly from person to person. This is due to several factors: for example, those who live in a cold, dry climate need much less water than those who live in hot and humid regions. The weight and types of activities that the person performs during the day will also influence a lot.
When we are hydrated, we have the key to the maximum performance of our body, including cognitive abilities. Therefore, understanding what is the best way to drink water according to your routine and the activities you practice will be a great way to avoid problems and yield more on a daily basis.