Water is essential to life. It makes up around 60% to 70% of our body and carries out many vital functions, such as transporting oxygen, regulating temperature, digestion and eliminating waste. Drinking enough water every day is therefore essential for our health and well-being. But how much water should we drink? And which water source should you choose? Here are some answers.
How much water should I drink a day?
There is no universal recommendation on how much water to drink per day, as it depends on many factors, such as age, weight, physical activity, climate, diet and state of health. In general, it is estimated that an adult needs to drink around 1.5 litres of water a day, which corresponds to between 6 and 9 glasses. This requirement may increase in hot weather, fever, sweating, diarrhoea or vomiting. It can also vary from person to person: pregnant or breast-feeding women, the elderly, athletes or people suffering from certain chronic illnesses often need to drink more water.
To find out if you're drinking enough water, all you need to do is look at the colour of your urine: if it's clear and has little odour, you're well hydrated. If it's dark and smelly, you're not drinking enough water. You should also listen to your thirst, which is the body's natural signal to encourage you to drink. You shouldn't wait until you're thirsty to drink, because that means you're already dehydrated. It's better to drink regularly throughout the day, giving priority to times when you're not hungry, such as when you wake up, between meals or before bedtime.
Which water source to choose?
Not all water is the same in terms of quality. There are different types of water: tap water, mineral water, spring water and filtered water. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
- Tap water: the most accessible and cheapest. It is regularly checked to ensure compliance with strict health standards. It contains minerals that are essential to our health, such as calcium, magnesium and fluoride. However, it may also contain traces of pollutants, such as pesticides, heavy metals or drug residues. It may also have an unpleasant taste or be too hard.
- Mineral water: this comes from a protected underground source with a stable, characteristic chemical composition. It is often rich in minerals and trace elements that are beneficial to health. However, it is more expensive than tap water and generates plastic waste. It can also be too mineralised for some sensitive people.
- Spring water: this also comes from a protected underground spring, but has no stable chemical composition or therapeutic properties. It is subject to the same health standards as tap water, but is not chemically treated. It often has a more neutral taste than tap water or mineral water. However, it has the same disadvantages as mineral water in terms of cost and environmental impact.
- Filtered water: this is water that has been treated to remove the impurities it contains. There are various filtration systems: carafes, tap or under-sink filters, osmosis units and distillers. Filtered water has the advantage of being purer and tastier than tap water. However, it can also lose some of its minerals and trace elements. It also requires regular filter maintenance to prevent the proliferation of bacteria.
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What are the benefits of drinking good water?
Drinking good water every day has many benefits for our health and appearance. For example, drinking good water helps to :
- Prevent dehydration, which can lead to headaches, fatigue, cramps, digestive problems and reduced cognitive and physical performance.
- To aid digestion, by facilitating intestinal transit and preventing constipation. Water also helps to dilute gastric juices and prevent heartburn and ulcers.
- Eliminate toxins and waste from the body by stimulating the kidneys and liver. Water also helps prevent urinary tract infections and kidney stones.
- It helps regulate body temperature, preventing heat stroke or chills. Water also helps to compensate for water lost through perspiration and breathing.
- Strengthen the immune system, by contributing to the production of antibodies and white blood cells. Water also helps prevent infection and inflammation.
- Maintain skin hydration, making it supple, elastic and radiant. Water also helps prevent skin ageing, wrinkles and blemishes.
- Promote weight loss, by increasing the feeling of satiety and stimulating the metabolism. Water also helps to eliminate fat and limit water retention.
In conclusion:
Drinking good water every day is a simple but essential step for our health and well-being. It's important to choose water that's suited to our needs and tastes, paying attention to both quality and quantity. It's also a good idea to vary your sources of hydration, by drinking unsweetened beverages such as tea, coffee, herbal teas and fresh fruit juices, as well as water-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables and dairy products. In this way, we ensure that we cover our water needs while enjoying the benefits of water for our bodies.
