Why We Should Drink Eight Glasses Of Water Each Day
by: MariaEsposito
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Usually about two and a half litres of water is needed each day for a reasonably sedentary adult to replace the total water loss that occurs through skin, lungs, faeces and urine, unless they are in an unusual environment.
This water loss needs to be replaced. One litre or so needs to be as water or other non dehydrating fluids such as cold herbal teas. A little under a litre will come from food intake. The body also makes about 300ml through its own oxidative metabolic processes.
What happens if you don't drink enough water?
1. Pulse rate and rectal temperature increases
2. Respiration increases
3. Numbness and tingling are experienced in the extremities
4. Increase in concentration of the blood
5. Lessening of the blood volume and more difficult blood circulation
Problems and inadequacies of the circulatory system under conditions of inadequate fluid intake leads to:
1. difficulties in breathing
2. gastro-intestinal upsets
3. nauseousness and loss of appetite
4. if it continues, muscular and emotional problems
In an animal study, where water was restricted the animals were highly irritable and in some cases bad tempered.
Thirst
Under a great deal of physical activity it has been demonstrated that a man will only choose to drink half of the water intake needed to replace losses from sweat and urine. It takes a period of rest and a meal for the cravings for water to return to replace losses.
Hot Drinks
Drinking hot liquids can cause a rise in internal body temperature. The body will sweat to bring the temperature down. In medical practice this is sometimes used as a deliberate ploy to temporarily raise body temperature or induce the body to sweat. So cool or cold liquids are preferred to hot ones to replace fluid losses. This is especially the case if hot drinks are always the preferred choice rather than cold ones.
Drinks containing sugar
During periods of physical activity that last under an hour and a half, water is the preferred choice. However drinks that contain a small amount of carbohydrate can sustain power better than water alone during activities that would create fatigue in an hour or longer.
About the Author
For a fuller version of this article please visit the alternative medicine website. Maria is a london nutritionist who specialises in the treatment of allergic disorders. She has worked in the holistic medical field for over a decade.
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