Water for life

Water for life

Since ancient times, civilisations have flourished near the presence of water and although some tribes do live in deserts, they are only able to prosper if drinkable water – like those from rivers – is at hand.

Up to 60% of the human body is made of water, and in some animals this percentage reaches up to 80%. The human lungs are made up of 90% water and the heart of 70% water. Every organ in the body needs a daily amount of water to function properly and if those amounts are not reached, then the body will tell you this one way or another.

To get to know the exact amount of water you need is very dificult. Many times Ihave heard people saying that eigth glasses of water (two or so litres) are the perfect amount, yet, that is the minimum. It depends if the weather you are is (too) cold or (too) hot; if it is too dry or not; it depends on the altitude you are in; it depends on how much exercise you do or you do not do; it depends if you are pregnant; if you are skinny, well-built or fat; it depends on you diet; it depends how much and how often you drink alcoholic beverages; height... and so on. Despite of this, you will be able to know more or less how much water your body needs daily, starting with those two litres of water that you ought to be drinking already.

When to know when you are drhydrated?

Most likely in a mild to moderate dehydration you would feel:

· Dry and/or sticky mouth

· Decreased amount of urine

· Dry skin

· Sleepiness/tiredness

· Headaches

· Constipation

If dehydration is severe:

· Utterly dry mucous membranes and skin

· Reduced sweating

· Excessive thirst

· Extreme irritability

· Little to no urination

· Rapid breathing

· Loss of elasticity in skin

· Decreased blood preasure

· Rapid heartbeat

· Fever

Severe dehydration is an medical emergency, therefore, should be treated as such. If you or any one you know experiences any of its symptoms, take him/her to a medical centre as soon as possible.

If you notice the first mild symptoms, during the course of a week should be able to know more or less how much water you should be drinking.

Surely, it would be rather ridiculous drinking two litres of water in half an hour, that is just pointless; so, the amounts should be small and many. Instead of pure water you could drink tea or a coffee of some natural juice, but try to avoid too much sugar in those drinks.

Lastly, have in mind that many people just do not know how to differentiate between thirst and hunger, thus, the next time you think you are hungry, stop and think and analyse that feeling and try to discern if it is hunger or thirst. If you cannot do that... well, go and just drink a couple of glasses of water and if you do not feel satisfied, then go eat something. Do this all the time and sooner or later you will get to know the differences of them.

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