Drink 1.5 Liters Of Water A Day, A Myth?

Drink 1.5 liters of water a day, a myth?

Various studies show that we should drink about 1.5 liters of water per day, or 8 glasses daily. However, the figures differ according to research, and the different types of morphologies observed. Water is an essential need for the body, its consumption is therefore essential. But if she really limited to 1.5 liters per day?

The body of water needs are specific to the morphology of a person's lifestyle and climate. Water makes up about 60% of body weight. But every day, a large quantity escapes from the body. Studies show that the body of an average person would spend more than 2 liters of water a day. Excesses are excreted primarily in the urine, which serve to remove waste products from the body, but also through breathing, perspiration and tears. These losses are compensated by food, which accounts for around one liter and liquids we drink.

It is therefore necessary to hydrate throughout the day, even when thirsty is not made to feel. Indeed, with age, people feel less need to drink and risks of dehydration are possible. As in case of high temperatures (heat causes further loss of water), physical effort, nursing and disease, it is advisable to ensure proper hydration of the body. The risk of dehydration is defined as a function of body weight, and may be due to insufficient and extended water use. The first signs of chronic dehydration can result in dark colored urine, sensations of dryness in the mouth and throat, headaches and dizziness, and a very dry skin and intolerance to heat. To remedy this, it is advisable to drink as much as possible, although some studies have shown that absorbing too much water could be dangerous.

Drinking too much is bad for health

One drink too much and too fast fluids in the body, called hyponatremia, may be harmful. They would not be supported by the kidneys, which can regulate a half liters of water per hour. In fact, drinking too much water would inflate the cells in the blood, which could cause a disorder of brain function. The concentration of sodium ion intra plasma is greatly reduced because of the large water presence in the plasma. However, hyponatremia is often the result of diseases such as potomania or excessive infusions: the cases of this disorder are rare and only a tiny number of people.

Varying recommendations

Studies have been conducted to define what would be the real water needs of the body. The encrypt varying between 1 and 3 liters per day, it is advisable to drink about two liters daily. But as we have seen, it depends on the morphology of the environment and lifestyle of the person. This statement must be qualified and placed in the contexts to which it belongs. These two liters does not include water in the proper sense of the term but all liquid passing through food and water-based drinks (tea, coffee, juice). The theory of 8 glasses so designate all liquids consumed during a day. This recommendation originated in a study by the Institute of Medicine, who suggested that each food calorie intake was equal to one milliliter of water. Thus, a consumption of 1900 calories per day equals 1900 ml of water (1.9 L). The confusion is made when people have forgotten that food already contained water: it would not be necessary to drink 2 liters of additional water. However, other studies claim the opposite: it would, in their view, consume between 2.5 and 3 liters and more food.

The answer remains so vague and impossible to define, because a lot of research and contradict each give different results. The recommendation to drink 1.5 liters of water a day can be regarded as a myth, but it is still necessary to ensure its proper hydration throughout the day for the good of his body.

Sources: British Nutrition Foundation (Ed.). Nutrition Basics - Liquids for life, nutrition.org.uk. www.nutrition.org.uk Council of the European Food Information (EUFIC). Hydration - essential to your well-being, EUFIC. . www.eufic.org Noakes, T. Nutrition Issues in Gastroenteroly (August 2014), Sharon Bergquist, Chris McStay, MD, FACEP, FAWM, Director of Clinical Operations, Department of Medical Emergencies of Colorado School of Medicine. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (Ed). Food and Nutrition Center - Water: How much you drink every shoulds Dominique Armand, Head of CNRS sought. Scientific Evidence: water. (2013). http://www.cnrs.fr/cw/dossiers/doseau/decouv/usages/eauOrga.html