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Norm: how much water you need to drink per day
Why is everyone talking about 2 liters of water a day, and whether they include tea and coffee.
Even children know that our body is 80-90 percent water. Therefore, it is needless to say how important it is to our body. But we often forget that we need to drink water all the time, and sometimes even fashionable apps and reminders do not help. And the main question that torments everyone: how much water should you drink per day? Many experts say that you need to consume 2 liters. But for some it may not be enough, but for some it may be a lot.
Each person’s needs are unique and depend on health, age, weight, climate and lifestyle. Drinking little, but often, is the best way to prevent dehydration. In the UK, according to the Eatwell table, a person should drink 6-8 glasses of water and other liquids every day, for a total of 1,2 to 1,5 liters. Not only water is counted, but also skim milk, sugar-free drinks, tea and coffee.
In March 2010, the European Food Safety Authority issued a report stating that the total water consumption for women is 2 liters and for men it is 2,5. This amount includes drinking water, drinks of all kinds, and moisture from the food we eat. It is generally accepted that our food averages about 20 percent of our fluid intake. Thus, a woman should drink about 1,6 liters, and a man should aim for 2 liters.
“Every adult needs 30-35 ml of water per 1 kg of body weight. In any case, try to drink at least 1,5 liters per day. Children also need to monitor the amount of fluid they consume, it is best to be guided by the child’s well-being and desire. If there are problems with the cardiovascular system or edema, then you need up to a liter of water per day. In case of illness, of course, it is better to seek advice from an experienced dietitian, ”explains Ekaterina Khorolskaya, dietitian of the federal chain of fitness clubs X-Fit.
For those involved in sports, you need to drink more water, as physical activity increases sweating and therefore requires rehydration. Therefore, many health experts suggest drinking an extra liter of water for every hour of activity.
What can be considered a liquid?
Water, milk, drinks without sugar, tea, coffee. “We drink tea and coffee in large quantities, but these drinks remove fluid from the body. Therefore, if you like coffee, then drink water to stay hydrated, ”says Ekaterina Khorolskaya.
Fruit juice and smoothies can also be considered liquid, but since they contain “free” sugars (the type we’d best cut down on), it’s best to limit them to a total of 150 ml per day.
Soups, ice cream, jellies, and fruits and vegetables such as melon, watermelon, squash, cucumber also contain liquid.
Why is it so important to drink water
Water is, without a doubt, the most important component of the human body. It is essential for digestion, for our heart, circulation, for temperature control, and for our brain to function properly.
Research shows that losing as little as 1 percent of your weight in fluids can reduce mental performance and potentially cause fatigue and headaches. This moderate level of dehydration can easily occur throughout the day, highlighting how important it is to drink little and often for your health.
Also, dehydration may not affect your beauty in the best way, because it will cause the skin to become dry and lose elasticity.