There are many benefits to drinking water; more than just to relinquish our thirst and defeat dehydration. Water keeps every system in the body functioning properly. The Harvard Medical School Report that water has many important jobs, such as:
- carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells
- flushing bacteria from your bladder
- aiding digestion
- preventing constipation
- normalising blood pressure
- stabilising the heartbeat
- cushioning joints
- protecting organs and tissues
- regulating body temperature
- maintaining electrolyte (sodium) balance.
Giving your body enough fluids to carry out those tasks means that you’re staying hydrated.
If you don’t drink enough water each day, you risk becoming dehydrated. Warning signs of dehydration include weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness, confusion, or urine that’s dark in color.
So how much water should you drink? Most people need about four to six cups of water each day.
How much water should you drink a day?
The daily four-to-six cup rule is for generally healthy people. It’s possible to take in too much water if you have certain health conditions, such as thyroid disease or kidney, liver, or heart problems; or if you’re taking medications that make you retain water, such as opiate pain medications, and some antidepressants.
Water needs will vary depending on each individual, especially if you’re losing water through sweat because you’re exercising, or because you’re outside on a hot day. If you’re wondering how much water you should drink on those occasions, speak with your chiropractor, but a general rule of thumb for healthy people is to drink two to three cups of water per hour, or more if you’re sweating heavily.
