All of us must have heard the importance of water intake, and sometimes we do have a question, that how much water should intake is necessary as per daily basis? Your daily water intake depends, on many factors, including your health, how active you are and where you live. There’s no specific formula that fits everyone, so it’s important to know about your body needs, this will help you to estimate you fluid requirement each day.

Functions Water Plays in the Body

Water is a major component of body cell, tissue and organ and plays an important role in almost every body function, including:

• Temperature regulation
• Transportation of oxygen and nutrients through the blood
• Acting as a necessary component of chemical reactions
• Aid in elimination of waste through urine and feces
• Lubrication of joints
• Acting as a major component of body fluids such as mucus and tears
• Giving the cells their shape and stability

How Much Water Consumption Do You Need?

Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements, so, it’s very important to replenish those losses in order to let your body perform its functions. Generally people should consume approximately 2-3 liters of fluids per day. This does not take into account a person’s medical condition, exercise habits, and living environment (high altitude location or extremely hot area). Day-to-day activities may also increase ones need for fluid. For example, water requirements are increased when doing strenuous exercise.

Generally if you consume enough water that you rarely feel thirsty and produce 1.5 liters or more of colorless or light urine a day, your fluid intake is adequate. If you’re concerned about your water intake, or have health issues, check with your doctor or a registered dietitian. He or She can help you out in finding the appropriate amount of fluid for your body.

To prevent dehydration, and make sure your body has enough fluids to carry out body functions, make water your beverage of choice; it’s also a good idea to:

• Drink a glass of water or any low calorie beverage with each meal and between each meal.
• Drink water, before, during and after exercise.