When talking about beauty and health, health experts always say that we should drink a lot of water every day. Then some questions may arise in our minds: What amount of water intake is appropriate? Can someone consume too much water as well? What happens then? All those questions were worth researching and this article will try to shed light on this matter.
Why should water be taken?
First of all, water accounts for about 50% -70 % of human body weight. Without water, humans can’t sustain life (Mayo Clinic, 2020). It is often said that the amount of water that one should drink per day is eight glasses. However, now, a new guideline has been established. The recommended amount of water varies by gender. For men, it is 13 cups of water, and for women, it is 9 cups. Pregnant women should drink one more water (Barghava, 2017).
People decrease their body water daily through their breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements (Mayo Clinic, 2020). If people don’t consume water, they will be dehydrated. If people are dehydrated, they may get headaches, lethargy, and constipation (Crosta, 2017). Therefore, we should consume water to maintain our health.
Benefits of drinking sufficient water
Consuming a lot of water:
→・helps maximize physical performance;
・significantly affects energy levels and brain function;
・may help prevent and treat headaches;
・may help relieve constipation;
・may help treat kidney stones;
・helps prevent hangovers; and
・can aid in weight loss (Healthline).
All of the above indicate that there are many benefits to be gained by drinking a lot of water.
Disadvantages of drinking too much water
While an appropriate amount of water intake is advised, consuming too much water may cause something bad to our body. Drinking too much water can lead to “hyponatremia,” a condition in which the amount of sodium concentration in the blood is below the appropriate level. Incidentally, a normal sodium concentration in the blood is 135-145 milliequivalents. If hyponatremia occurs, the following symptoms are said to develop:
・nausea
・vomiting
・confusion or disorientation
・low blood pressure and drowsiness
・muscle cramps and stomach cramping
・fatigue and muscle weakness
・seizures
There are two ways to avoid “hyponatremia”: The first one is not to consume a lot of water in a short period of time but to drink the proper amount on a regular basis, or to drink a lot of water in a short period of time, but not too much. The other is good intake of electrolytes (Drip Drop n.d.). Electrolytes are sodium, potassium, calcium, and other minerals that dissolve in water. The following foods should be consumed because they contain high amounts of electrolytes: banana, yogurt, milk, coconut water, watermelon, and avocado (Pure Protein n.d.).
Conclusion
All in all, drinking the recommended amount of water in the proper form is imperative to maintain good health and promote self-improvement.
“References”
Crosta, P. (2017). Dehydration: Symptoms, causes, and treatments. [online] www.medicalnewstoday.com. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/153363#_noHeaderPrefixedContent [Accessed 30 May 2022].
Drip Drop ORS. (n.d.). Is Drinking Too Much Water Bad For You? [online] Available at: https://www.dripdrop.com/blog/hydration-tips/is-drinking-too-much-water-bad-for-you [Accessed 30 May 2022].
Hansa.d. Barghava. “How Much Water Should I Drink?” WebMD, WebMD, Feb. 2017, www.webmd.com/diet/how-much-water-to-drink. [Accessed 4 June 2022].
Leech, J. (2020). 7 Reasons Why You Should Drink More Water. [online] Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-of-water#3.-May-help-prevent-and-treat-headaches [Accessed 30 May 2022].
Mayo Clinic (2020). Water: How much should you drink every day? [online] Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256 [Accessed 30 May 2022].
www.pureprotein.com. (n.d.). 5 Foods to Replenish Electrolytes. [online] Available at: https://www.pureprotein.com/lifestyle/5-foods-to-replenish-electrolytes/ [Accessed 30 May 2022].
