Probably more than you do. There are a range of opinions, however, drinking two and a half to three litres a day (10 to 12 glasses) seems to be the general consensus. However, the average Australian drinks a measly 1.3 litres of water a day and therefore lives in a state of chronic dehydration. Keep in mind the recommended 2 to 3 litres is only an average and depending on the season, climate, your physique and your activity levels you might need to drink significantly more than that.
If you wait until you’re thirsty before you have a drink your body is already significant dehydrated, common symptoms of dehydration can include:
Fatigue
Dizziness
Mood swings
Muscle cramps
Concentration difficulties
Dry skin
Headaches
Body aches
Bad breath
So, if you experience any of these symptoms drinking more water could be the simplest and easiest solution (pardon the pun). It’s certainly worth trying and seeing how your body responds.
Water makes up around 60% of your body weight and every cell, tissue and organ in your body depends on water for optimal function. Water helps your body eliminate toxins through urination, perspiration and bowel movements (if your urine is clear or light colored it’s a good indication your water intake is adequate). Water also helps you regulate your body temperature, lubricate and cushion joints and protect sensitive tissues.
Eating more fruit and vegetables can also help with hydration, especially melons and spinach which are almost 100% water by weight. Whilst beverages like juice, coffee and tea are also included in your total intake of fluids, the best and healthiest source is water itself, especially if you can access filtered water.
In traditional medicine, especially Ayurvedic medicine (the traditional medicine system from India) its best to avoid drinking a lot with meals as it inhibits your body’s ability to digest. Additionally, it’s best to drink water that is at an ambient temperature rather than chilled although drinking cool liquids in the warmer months and warmer fluids in the colder months is probably even more beneficial.
Finally, it’s possible to drink too much water so don’t think that if 3 litres is good then 15 litres must be better! Drinking too much water too quickly (in excess of one litre and hour) can dilute the sodium concertation in your blood so by all means stay hydrated but don’t go crazy.
Wes Smith
