Everyone knows the importance of water, but knowing exactly how to use water is important
Most are not well aware of the real importance of water to the body. Water, like minerals and vitamins, is vital to all activities of daily life. It is the fundamental nutritional element for human beings. Water is not only the solvent of several nutritional substances but also key in the formation of cells. Without water, cells could not absorb essential nutrients.
The lack of water affects the entire metabolism process. One can survive for a week with only water; but one may die after three days with neither food nor water. Water accounts for about 60% of the body; the figure is higher in children.
A healthy person needs 1.5 to 2.5 liters of water a day, averaging 2.0 liters or 50 milliliters for every kilogram of the body. The demand for water increases after working hard or if a person exposed to hot weather.
Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink, because when you feel thirsty your body has already lost its balance and the cells are short of water. Drink water as regularly as you can, a little at a time, several times during the day. Do not drink a big amount of water at one time, as that too will break the balance of water and electrolytes in the body, causing an unsteady metabolism. Water is needed before, during and after any physical exercise. It is best for one to drink about 150ml of water at a time.
Diabetics should drink water without sugar. Some diabetics wrongly believe that drinking and urinating a lot are the major symptoms of diabetes, so they have to restrict drinking water to best control their blood sugar and diet regime. Others worry that drinking much water will lay a burden on the kidneys that may cause edema. In reality, diabetics should drink much more water to:
Discharge most of toxic substances out of the body, prevent urinary infection, and boost the effects of antibiotics.
Increase and improve the blood circulation, and reduce complications caused by diabetes.
Prevent unconsciousness caused by diabetes.
(This article is adapted and translated from the Vietnamese original by Dr. Nguyen Thi Tam Thuan in Thuoc & Suc Khoe magazine - issue No. 309, June 1, 2006)
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