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Water
How Long Can a Person Live Without Food?
More than a month.
How Long Can a Person Live Without Water?
Approximately one week, depending upon conditions.
How Much Water Must a Person Consume Per Day to Maintain Health?
2.5 quarts from all sources - water, food - you can get some fluid through the foods you eat, for example, broth soups and other foods that are 85% to 95% water such as celery, tomatoes, oranges, and melons.
How Much of the Human Body is Water?
66 percent. Water is essential for your body because it is in every cell, tissue, and organ in your body. Under normal conditions, most healthy people meet their fluid needs by drinking when thirsty and drinking fluids with meals. But, if you're outside in hot weather for most of the day or doing vigorous physical activity, you'll need to make an effort to drink more fluids.
Why You Need to Drink Enough Water Every Day
You need water to replace what your body loses through normal everyday functions. You lose water when you go to the bathroom or sweat, but you even lose small amounts of water when you exhale. You need to replace this lost water to prevent dehydration. Your body also needs more water when you are:
- In hot climates.
- More physically active.
- Running a fever.
- Having diarrhea or vomiting.
To help you stay hydrated during prolonged physical activity or when it is hot outside, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 recommend these two steps:
- Drink fluid while doing the activity.
- Drink several glasses of water or other fluid after the physical activity is completed.
Also, when you are participating in vigorous physical activity, it's important to drink before you even feel thirsty. Thirst is a signal that your body is on the way to dehydration.
Drink More Water
In order for our body to function properly we need an average of 6 - 10 cups of water daily. However, there are many factors that may influence the exact amount of water your body requires such as: age, gender, temperature, medications, activity and humidity level. A good indicator that you are getting enough water and that you are properly hydrated is the color and frequency of urination. If it is nearly clear, you are doing a great job!
Benefits of Drinking Water:
- Flushes out toxins through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.
- Maintains skins elasticity.
- Lubricates and cushions joints and muscles.
- Protects your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.
- Prevents constipation.
- Regulates body temperature.
- Gives you energy.
- Regulates metabolism.
- Aids in digestion.
- Helps prevent kidney stones.
- Reduces bladder, kidney and urinary tract infections.
- Aids in weight loss.
Tips to Increase Your Water Intake:
- Track your daily water intake for a few days to determine how much water you are actually getting.
- Carry a water bottle for easy access when you are at work or running errands.
- Freeze some freezer safe water bottles. Take one with you for ice cold water all day long.
- Keep a glass or cup of water next to you when you are sitting down for long periods of time.
- Choose water instead of sugar sweetened beverages. This tip can also help with weight management. Substituting water for one 20 ounce sugar sweetened soda will save you about 240 calories.
- Choose water instead of other beverages when eating out. Generally, you will save money and reduce calories.
- Give your water a little pizzazz by adding a wedge of lemon or lime. This may improve the taste, and you just might drink more water than you usually do.
Do Sugar Sweetened Beverages Count?
Although beverages that are sweetened with sugars do provide water, they usually have more calories than unsweetened beverages. To help with weight control, you should consume beverages and foods that don't have added sugars.
Examples of Beverages With Added Sugars:
- Fruit drinks.
- Some sports drinks.
- Soft drinks and sodas (non-diet).
Can You Drink Too Much Water?
It is rare, but you can drink too much water. Drinking too much can cause serious health conditions. If you have a history of kidney problems or other serious medical conditions check with your physician. Some people may have fluid restrictions because of a health problem, such as kidney disease. If your healthcare provider has told you to restrict your fluid intake, be sure to follow that advice.
References:
1) U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) - August 20, 2007 - ct.water.usgs.gov
2) AdvanceMed Hanford - Occupational Health Services - www.hanford.gov - vpp.pnl.gov - www.cdc.gov
This summary is a general overview about the topic discussed and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Full Disclaimer & General Safety Advisory