Getting enough water every day is important for your health. Healthy people meet their fluid needs by drinking when thirsty and drinking with meals. Most of your fluid needs are met through the water and beverages you drink.
Drink as much water as you can
You should drink water every day. Most people have been told they should drink 6 to 8, 8-ounce glasses of water each day. That’s a reasonable goal. However, different people need different amounts of water to stay hydrated. Most healthy people can stay well hydrated by drinking water and other fluids whenever they feel thirsty. For some people, fewer than 8 glasses may be enough. Other people may need more than 8 glasses each day.
Staying hydrated at work plays a big part in staying alert, being productive and functioning at our best! Water is the second most important thing after oxygen, that we need to survive. We simply cannot do without it. In fact, every day we can lose up to 3 pints of water (1720ml) just from daily living, for example, breathing, sweating, exercising or through illness. About 70% of our body weight is made up of water, so it’s essential that we maintain these levels to ensure that our vital organs, such as our brains, kidneys and heart, can work properly all day, every day.
Water helps your body:
- Keep your temperature normal
- Lubricate and cushion joints
- Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues
- Get rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements
Your body needs more water when you are:
- In hot climates
- More physically active
- Running a fever
- Having diarrhoea or vomiting