In this article about why it is important to drink water: We all know that we need to drink enough water. This is often said and is like an unwritten rule in our minds. But why is that actually, what is enough water, and does it vary from person to person? We dove into several studies and explain it to you.
Why is it important to drink water explained
The importance of drinking water
Our body consists of about 60% water. The water in your body regulates your body temperature, helps your intestines absorb nutrients, and transports nutrients and waste. Maintaining your fluid balance is therefore essential. So, drink enough water. But what is enough?
The right guideline for your water needs
The Nutrition Center recommends drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day to stay healthy. But that would mean that a man weighing 95 kilos should consume the same amount of water as a girl weighing 50 kilos. A better indication is therefore 0.03 x your body weight. Throughout the day, you also lose fluid through sweating, breathing, bowel movements, and urine. Additionally, it naturally matters whether you are exercising intensively or sitting in a chair all day. When you exercise, you lose about 1 to 2 liters of fluid per hour. That is almost the amount you need to drink in a day. After a workout, it is also important to replenish your fluid balance. For illustration, a Coca-Cola bottle can hold one and a half liters of water.
Alert, satisfied, and happy with a glass of water
It is clear that drinking water is important for a well-functioning body. But are there other effects of drinking water, and what do we feel when we do not drink 'enough'? Various scientific studies have been conducted on these questions, with varying results. Generally, it appears that when people who have a habit of drinking little water increase their daily intake to about 2 liters per day, they feel less tired, confused, and sleepy. It also emerged that when people who usually drink a lot of water reduced their daily intake to 1 liter per day, they felt less sharp, satisfied, and positive. Although more research is being done to clarify these effects, current results suggest that 'drinking enough water' not only serves an essential function for our body but can also have a positive effect on our feelings.
Reflect & learn
Take a moment to consider how much water you actually drink per day and whether this is enough for you. If you find it difficult, grab a large glass of water between tasks and drink it all at once. Or buy yourself a bottle that you consciously fill five times a day. And don’t forget to replenish your fluid balance after a vigorous workout!
Source: “Quantifying the effect of water intake on mood. Effect of changes in water intake on mood of high and low water drinkers.” – Examine.com Research Digest (ERD).
Also read: 5 breakfasts with more than 25 grams of protein · more articles on our blog · personal training at Daadkracht.
