8 glasses of water a day does not apply to everyone

As you know, more than 50% of our body consists of water. So, we need to drink enough water. Water needs that are met can support your health. How much water do we need? Surely you have often heard the message of drinking 8 glasses of water per day. However, does this amount apply to everyone?

Why is it important to drink water every day?

Did you know that every system in your body needs water to support its work? For example, blood contains fluids to carry nutrients to the cells in your body, water is also needed to get rid of toxins produced by the body's vital organs, water also creates a moist environment for the ears, nose and throat. So, these organs in your body work properly. In addition, water is also useful for preventing kidney stones and constipation.

If the body lacks water, it will be more difficult for the cells in the body to do their work. You can also become dehydrated. This can drain your energy and make you tired. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition involving women proved that lack of fluids as much as 1.36% after exercise can interfere with mood and concentration, as well as cause headaches.

How much water should you drink every day?

In fact, each person's water needs can be different. Even though you often hear the message of drinking 8 glasses of water a day, don't get too hung up on this. It could be that you need to drink water less or exceed this recommendation. However, in general, drinking 8 glasses of water a day (about 2 liters) can meet the water needs of many people. This message is also easy to remember. So, this message continues to be conveyed to you.

However, it is up to you to judge how much water you need. Water requirements vary between individuals. The best is drink whenever you feel thirsty, so that your water needs are met.

Thirst is a signal from your body that tells you that your body is in need of water. Recognize every cue of your thirst. If you follow these cues, it may be possible to drink less than 8 glasses of water a day, or even more. No need to insist on drinking 8 glasses of water if you feel your body is hydrated enough. And no need to hold back if you feel thirsty after drinking 8 glasses of water a day.

Also look at the color of your urine to determine whether you are drinking enough water or not. If your water needs aren't met, your urine will be darker in color. This means that you have to drink more fluids.

Anything that affects a person's water needs?

There are many factors that influence a person's water needs. These factors are:

1. Activity

If you do a lot of activity, such as sports that sweat a lot, you need to drink more water. Why? The extra water that enters your body is useful for replacing your lost body fluids through sweat.

2. Environment

You need more water when the weather is hot or humid because you sweat more at this time. Also, if you live at an altitude of 2500 meters, you may also need more water. At this altitude, you will usually urinate more frequently and breathe more quickly, so that more body fluid is wasted and you will need to replace it.

3. Illness or health condition

When you have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, your body will secrete more fluids. So, at this time you need more fluids to enter your body. However, some conditions, such as heart failure, kidney disease, and liver disease, may make you have to limit your water intake.

4. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, women need more water to meet their high fluid needs. There are many changes in the body of pregnant women, so that the need for fluids for pregnant women also increases. Breastfeeding mothers also need more water to produce breast milk.