The human body consists of more than 60% of it, our blood contains 92% of it and our brain is made up of 75% of it. BeautyHeaven takes a close look at some of the info we’ve all been taught about drinking water.
We’ve all seen the messages about not drinking enough water. Whether it’s your friends and family nagging you, health experts or the media, we all know ‘you need to drink eight glasses of water a day…’ But is there any truth to it? And if so, what does drinking this amount really do?
As well as the health benefits of glugging down the H2O, beauty experts pretty much always cite drinking water as the answer to great skin. Make-up artist Michelle Phan recently told BeautyHeaven that this was her number one beauty tip above all else, so there must be something to it, right?
We decided to take a look at all the information out there to work out just how much you should really be drinking – and what it will do for you.
So where did the eight-glasses-a-day mantra come from?
This advice has been passed on through generations during the last century, but it’s something of an inexact science because the size of glasses can vary considerably. One of the first scientific recommendations regarding water intake wasn’t made until 1945 when the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council (USA) advised 1 millilitre of water for every calorie of food.
How much water do I really need to drink?
Many health and lifestyle factors impact upon the amount of water your body needs. These range from your weight, how active you are and even where you live! As a general rule the average male needs around three litres and the average female needs around 2.2 litres. To develop a more personalised water recommendation, jump online! There are tonnes of calculators that can work out your estimated water intake levels based on your height and weight.
Do hot beverages count?
Yes. A 2004 report from the National Academy of Science (in Australia) found that all beverages and foods contribute to hydration. Tea in particular has a heap of anti-oxidants (especially herbal tea) and as long as you don’t go overboard with the milk and sugar, they could definitely be counted towards your daily water tally.
What does it do for my skin and health?
Although scientific findings vary regarding the link between drinking plenty of water and getting the skin you’ve always wanted, it does plenty for your health, which in turn affects your appearance. Water regulates body temperature and reduces the stress on the liver and kidneys, which helps flush out waste and toxins. And not drinking enough water can dehydrate your body and your skin, which means your complexion can look dry, and less healthy and supple as a result.
Did you know you can survive over a month without food, but only five to seven days without water? Tell us how many glasses of water you drink on a daily basis…
Written by Jordie, this article originally appeared on BeautyHeaven.
Image: Pablo Calvog/Shutterstock.com
32 Responses
I don’t know about this. I don’t drink plain water, it makes me nauseous. I get my water intake from tea/coffee/juice. My skin is fine, my triglycerides and cholestrol levels are normal etc. I really think it depends on an individual’s needs.
I find it harder in winter to drink 8 glasses of water and opt mostly for rooibos tea (with no sugar and milk). In the summer its not a problem to have my quota of water each day.
I must say I am very good when it comes to drinking water. I have a 700ml bottle I got from work and I drink 2x bottles of water each day.. well except weekends… :)
yes water is so importants
2.2 litres?? I’m really struggling with drinking water but I do try to drink at least 1 litre in the morning.
i dont do my 8 religiousl or glasses daily, however my body tells me when it needs more water, so i guess also listen to your body and dont ignore the signs. i also know that in summer i drink more than 8 litres in general due to the fact that i want to cool myself more often and usually water quenches my thirst nothing else.
I drink more in summer than in winter, winter is just too cold :). At least 6 glasses a day in summer
I try my best to stick to my eight tall glasses a day albeit not very disciplined. I can attess however that if my water intake increases my general wellbeing is so much better as well as my skin. Good tips and thank you
I carry bottles around with me and fill them up with good old Jozi tap water. Keeps me hydrated and I get a minimum of 6 glasses a day.
Very interesting. Thanks for the info.