Water is essential for maintaining normal bodily functions. Drinking water helps stimulate metabolism, maintain body temperature, and support organ function.
Water makes up 60% to 70% of human body weight and is one of the most important components of the human body. Maintaining adequate daily hydration is crucial for maintaining essential bodily functions. Water does more than just quench thirst; it participates in numerous physiological processes, including promoting metabolism, maintaining body temperature, supporting organs, and maintaining joint lubrication.
- Maintaining Life:
Water is an essential component of life, comprising approximately 60% of an adult's body weight. Proper cellular function requires water, and it participates in processes such as nutrient transport, waste elimination, and chemical reactions.
- Boosting Metabolism:
Water is a solvent for many biochemical reactions and is essential for the digestive system to break down food. Adequate water intake can help increase the basal metabolic rate and promote efficient energy use, thereby helping maintain a healthy weight.
- Maintaining Healthy Skin:
Adequately hydrated skin strengthens its barrier function and slows the aging process. Dehydration can lead to dry skin, decreased elasticity, and the appearance of fine lines.
- Regulating Body Temperature:
Water plays a key role in regulating body temperature through the evaporation of sweat. When body temperature rises, sweating is one way the body dissipates heat, which requires adequate water.
Adults are recommended to consume approximately 2 liters of water daily, including water from beverages and food. However, specific needs vary depending on factors such as age, gender, activity level, and environmental conditions. Maintaining a reasonable water intake not only helps the body function normally but also improves overall quality of life.
How to replenish water scientifically?
What is the ideal daily water intake? According to the Chinese Dietary Guidelines (2022), the average adult should drink 1500-1700 ml of water daily. Pregnant and breastfeeding women have even higher water requirements, with recommended daily water intakes of 3000 ml and 3800 ml, respectively.
How often should you drink water?
It is recommended to drink water proactively, consuming small amounts frequently. Feeling thirsty is a clear sign of dehydration. Prolonged dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances and dysfunction. Therefore, we should drink a glass of water (about 200 ml per glass) every 1-2 hours, for a total of 7-8 glasses of water throughout the day.
The temperature of the water is equally important. Experts recommend drinking warm water, within the 10-40°C range. However, be aware that water temperatures exceeding 65°C can cause long-term damage to the mouth and digestive tract and may even increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
What is the best water to drink?
Of all the drinking water options, plain water and light tea are the top choices. Plain water is not only safe and hygienic, but also contains no calories, making it ideal for daily consumption. Furthermore, tea is rich in beneficial substances such as tea polyphenols, making moderate tea consumption not only replenishing the body with needed hydration but also providing numerous health benefits.