We all know that water is vital for our health and well-being. Well, at least I hope that we do know that. But then many questions arise from knowing this.
How much water should I drink?
Should you get all your water from plain water?
What is the best time to drink water?
What temperature is best?
What type of water should I drink?
Can I and should I add lemon to my water?
These are all fundamental questions. But today, let me address the first one. How much water should we all be drinking?
In all honesty, there’s no strict rule for this, but we can get a reasonable estimate of the amount of water your body needs daily.
We arrive at this estimate by dividing your weight in kilograms by thirty or dividing your weight in pounds by sixty-six. The answer you get is the amount of water your body requires in litres each day.
For example, a 75-kg adult needs approximately 2.5 litres of water daily. However, for most adults, your body will require an absolute minimum of two litres daily. That is about eight glasses of water, assuming each has a volume of 250 millilitres.
Sometimes, you may need to consume more if you have sweated a lot for whatever reason, if you’re experiencing stress or extremes in body function, or if you live in a hot environment or a hot climate like Uganda. You may have to consume less water if you have water retention or kidney problems.
The next question is, should you get all the water your body needs from plain water?
Although you don’t always have to consume all your water plain, I suggest that at least 60% should be plain. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables—as you should—you will get a good amount of water from food. Bananas, for example, are 70% water; apples 80% water; tomatoes and watermelons more than 90% water. Please note that alcohol, coffee, caffeinated drinks, soda, and artificially sweetened drinks don’t count when considering your water intake.
So now we know how much water each of us requires each day. Do your calculation and plan to drink the required amount throughout the day.
If you would like answers to all these other questions on water
· What is the best time to drink water?
· What temperature is best?
· What type of water should I drink?
· Can I and should I add lemon to my water?
Or, if you would like to know more about other beverages such as tea, coffee, juice, and alcohol, please get yourself a copy of my book. If you already have one look up the section on beverages.
To buy a copy now using mobile money or by card, click here.