Water Intake

Did you know that the human body is made up of 45-75% of the total body weight... Impressive I know.

Water intake is vitally important for the human body not only to prevent dehydration but to assist in many biochemical reactions which we will breakdown soon. It is important that we stay well hydrated and approximately 8 oz. glasses a day is the recommended minimum intake of water. 

On the average mild day an average healthy sedentary women would require 11.4 cups whilst a male will require 15.6 cups. This is the adequate intake however body size, physical activity, heat, altitude, health status, drug/medication use, supplementation use and diet/nutritional source can alter these numbers.

The best measure as disgusting as it sounds is if your urine is clear and does not stink your doing okay. If your Urine is yellow, brown or smells acidy and potent then you need to consider increasing your water intake. 

81% of a humans water consumption is made up from water intake and beverage consumption such as coffee, juices, fruit, vegetables, soup and other beverages that hold or contain water.

Water is lost throughout respiration, skin, renal and gastrointestinal tract, fever, burns, vomiting, diarrhoea, heat and exercise. It is super important to stay well hydrates and drink the adequate intake of water.

Failure do to so can affect;

• Biochemical Reactions
• Blood Volume
• Nutrient Transportation
• Waste Removal
• Regulation of Body Temperature 
• Energy and Endurance
• Muscle Recovery

However be careful to not consume excessive amount of water i.e water loading without adequate sodium intake a you may experience a dangerous condition known as Hyponatremia. 

Reference:

IOM (U.S) Panel on Dietary Reference Intakes for Electrolytes and Water, 2005.