How much water should I drink a day?

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Extract from the article: It is generally recommended to drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day. But why so much? Is it really necessary to follow this advice?

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It is generally recommended to drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day. But why so much? Is it really necessary to follow this advice?

Around 60% of the body is made up of water. Water that is gradually eliminated over the course of the day. By urinating and sweating, we expel 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day. We therefore need to compensate to enable the kidneys to function normally and the body to regulate its temperature. But these are not the only roles of the water we drink.

Maintaining a good volume of blood

Blood carries the oxygen needed by muscles and the brain to absorb nutrients and produce the energy they need to function. Cells and organs absorb oxygen through the blood and release CO2 through respiration. That's why it's essential to maintain a sufficient volume of blood to transport the oxygen the body needs. And since 55% of blood is plasma, and plasma itself is 90% water, water accounts for almost 50% of blood.

Good hydration also helps maintain a good level of saliva. Saliva facilitates food absorption and digestion. And don't forget that drinking enough water facilitates cell renewal and helps keep skin looking beautiful.

1.5 litres a day, really?

1.5 to 2 litres a day is an average.This amount varies according to a number of criteria: where you live, whether you're physically active, whether you're breastfeeding or ill, not to mention your height and body weight.We therefore recommend drinking 30ml per kilo of body weight. So if you weigh 65kg, you should drink 1.9 litres...

When should you drink?

Above all, don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.A good habit is to drink throughout the day in small quantities.In fact, it's better to drink regularly and in small sips rather than large quantities at short intervals.

This is more comfortable for the stomach and digestive system. Dehydration can lead to dark urine, a dry mouth and throat, dizziness, tiredness and dry skin.

William O.

Article validated by Dr Essoreke Tchaou, Dietician, Head of the ‘Santé Durable’ practice in Lomé.