How much water do you need a day?

How much water should you really drink each day for the best skin, hair and health? Naturopath and SheSaid expert, Karen Ansell, has the truth once and for all.

An adult body comprises of approximately 60-70% water. Water is vital for our body to function, therefore vital for survival. Regular tops ups are needed to replenish water lost from our body in sweat, urine, and respiration.

An average aim for daily water intake may be 1.5L per day, however this may vary. An active day, hot climate, and physical exercise may increase your daily requirement. Other factors which may increase your daily need include caffeine intake from tea or coffee, and alcohol which acts as a diuretic. Perhaps aim to drink an extra glass of water per day per cup of tea or coffee or alcoholic beverage that you have.

If you are not already drinking 1.5L per day, build up slowly and you will find your body and thirst adapts to this intake naturally. Sit a jug of water somewhere convenient for you, such as on your desk at work or in your kitchen as a reminder. Filtered or spring water is preferable. For variety, herbal teas can be included as part of your daily water intake, or add some slices of fresh lemon or lime for flavour. Fresh mint leaves, or freshly sliced strawberries also can add just the right touch of flavour to your water jug!

Proper hydration may assist with some cases of constipation, headaches, muscle tension, and fluid retention. Fluid retention is interesting, our body has a lot of protective mechanisms so if we are not getting enough water our body may hang on to it, so you may find increasing your water intake helps flush the body of excess fluid it is holding onto.

In some cases fluid retention may signify the need for extra magnesium to assist the fluid into the cells. This may be achievable by simply adding a squeeze of preferably fresh fruit juice into your water to assist absorption so that around 1/8 of the glass is fruit juice such as lemon, lime, cranberry etc, and the rest is water. There are several other reasons for fluid retention so please see your health care practitioner for personalised care.

Karen Ansell is a well respected Naturopath, Medical Herbalist, & Educator in Australia and Internationally. Karen is the founder of “Be in Balance” wellness centre in Sydney’s south. Be in Balance has an amazing team of University Qualified Naturopaths, Massage therapists, Counsellor, and Life Coach. We look forward to assisting you and your family with all your health goals. Contact us at www.beinbalance.com.au

Read more health stories here!