Why is drinking enough water so important?

Water is essential to keep our bodies healthy. Water makes up more than two-thirds of our body weight and every organ depends on it. A mere 2% drop in our body’s water supply can trigger signs of dehydration: fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on smaller print, such as a computer screen.  (Are you having trouble reading this? Drink up!) Mild dehydration is also one of the most common causes of daytime fatigue.

Besides aiding in digestion and absorption of food, water regulates body temperature and blood circulation, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, and removes toxins and other wastes. Water also cushions joints and protects tissues and organs, including the spinal cord, from shock and damage. On the other hand, lack of water (dehydration) can be the cause of many illnesses.

How much water should you drink?

It is recommended that you should drink around two litres or eight glasses of water per day. This amount is enough to replace the fluid that's lost each day through things such as perspiration, breathing, urinating and bowel movements. But in circumstances like excercising, when it's hot, when you're at high altitudes, or you're unwell, pregnant or breastfeeding, you need to drink more water.

Can you drink too much water?

It's possible but very difficult. Dietitian Tania Ferraretto says that an adult can safely drink up to 15 litres of water daily. She also advises sipping water throughout the day, rather than drinking a lot of water very quickly at one time to avoid any chance of hyponatraemia - when your blood sodium levels become dangerously diluted.