Hydrating the Body

Human body consists of 60% fluids. Which makes it very important to hydrate the body by drinking fluids. Always remember to carry around water while traveling and always keep track of the sweat to intake ratio.

Drink approximately 2 Litres of water or consume equivalent quantity of fluids every day. To keep track of the water intake by using a bottle or container with gradations and using a Water Consumption Chart.

So how much water should you drink?

Here is a simple formula to personalize your water intake quantity:

Body weight in kg = Ounces to drink everyday

1 Cup = 8 ounces

Add 12oz for every 30 minutes of activity.

Here are some things to be aware of about water content in the human body:

  • Water composes 75% of your brain
  • Water regulates your body temperature
  • Water makes up to 83% of your blood
  • Water removes waste from your body
  • Water composes 22% of your bones
  • Water cushions your joints
  • Water helps carry nutrients and oxygen to your cells
  • Water moistens oxygen for breathing
  • Water helps convert food to energy
  • Water protects and cushions your vital organs
  • Water helps your body absorb nutrients
  • Water makes up to 75% of muscles

While we are discussing water containers, did you know that the material of the vessel we store water in, affects the quality of the fluid? According to studies, harmful chemicals in plastic seep into the water making it toxic to human body, creating serious side effects.

Use good grade plastic bottles or containers, if avoiding plastic is not an option.

Drinking water from Mud and Copper vessels are said to be good for health.

Stainless Steel is also okay for storing water but it reacts with water over a long period of time and causes mineral content in it.

Glass is the best material for storing water as it is inert and maintains the purity.

The times at which we consume water is equally important as the quantity of water content.

  • Start the day with a glass of warm water.
  • Consume a cup of water 1 hour before every meal.
  • Consume a cup of water 1 hour after every meal.
  • Drink water before, during and after workouts.
  • Consume water before showers.
  • Consume a cup of warm water 1 hour before bedtime.

There are also times at which water consumption should be avoided

  • Avoid drinking water during meals to avoid diluting digestive juices.
  • Avoid excess water intake during specific medications.

Consuming Green teas or other herbal potions would help enhance the results. The fluids you drink can be hot or cold according to your preference and climate.

Fruit juices, milk-shakes, health drinks and soups are helpful choices.

Detox waters are hugely beneficial and tasty. We can use cut fruits or vegetables to infuse in water overnight to create flavored water full of concentrated nutrients.

Boiling water with infused herbs and consuming them are also equally good.

While the world offers a variety of drinks, try to abstain from caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, since most of them have harmful side effects and does more damage than help. Try to explore more organic alternatives.

As tasty and tempting as it may be, we need to cut down the consumption of sodas, other carbonated drinks and drinks with high sugar content and preservatives.

Always be aware of the ingredients and their effects on human body before consuming commercial drinks.

The latest hype about water consumption is the usage of alkaline water. While normal water has a pH of around 7, alkaline water has a higher pH, around 8 or 9 along with certain alkaline minerals.

It is a controversial topic these days, as extensive research has not been conducted so far. The positive effects claimed so far are anti-aging, immune system support, increased oxygen supply, cancer resistance etc; while negative side effects are nausea, vomiting, confusion, muscle and bone weakening among others.

A sure-shot way of ensuring intake of natural minerals along with water is to consume water stored in mud/clay pots, as natural pottery contains minerals and nutrients which are naturally occuring and ensures temperature and ion content regulation.

Even though there are numerous studies and research conclusions about water intake, ultimately it comes down to the requirement of the individuals such as the body type, lifestyle, how active they are and the place they live in (hot, humid or cold weather and the altitude, temperature, seasons etc).

The body also loses huge amounts of water each day, through urination, sweating and breathing among others. Dehydration can cause adverse effects in human bodies, which impares it from performing normal bodily functions, reducing energy levels and make the person feel tired.

Some basic ways of checking whether a person is consuming enough water are:

  • Lesser urges of thirst
  • Color of urine is pale yellow to transparent

In the interest of general health and well-being of the people, water intake should not be taken as a light subject, as it has long lasting effects on every person’s life. Let us hope the best of the natural resource that is water to every other living being in the world.