Health - Nutrition. The importance of daily hydration

Did you know that our bodies are composed of over 60% water? This proportion is far from fixed, as we lose some of it every day: through urine, perspiration, and even breathing. Or, more precisely, exhalation.

To maintain a form of balance and avoid falling into dehydration – which manifests itself in particular by dark urine, a dry mouth and throat, a feeling of fatigue or even dry skin – we must therefore compensate for these losses by drinking.

How much should I drink?

Health authorities recommend that we consume approximately 1.5 liters of water per day. This should remain our primary source of fluid intake.

And this intake is, of course, likely to vary depending on the context. For example, in hot weather and during physical activity, we lose more water. As a result, we will need to consume more, always with the goal of compensating for the losses.

Don't necessarily wait until you're thirsty

Feeling the need to quench your thirst? That means you're already lacking water! Our tip: drink regularly throughout the day—in small sips spread out over time rather than in large, more infrequent amounts.

It should also be noted that this advice not to wait until you are thirsty remains particularly important in hot weather for older people . The sensation of thirst can in fact diminish with age.

An example of measured hydration throughout the day:

• A coffee or tea and 1 glass of fruit juice, for breakfast;
• 1 glass of water, in the morning;
• 2 to 3 glasses of water, at lunch;
• 1 cup of tea or 1 coffee in the early afternoon;
• 2 glasses of water, with dinner;
• And why not an infusion?

Vary the contributions

For a change from water, consider herbal teas, infusions, and soups. You can also flavor your water by adding lemon slices or mint leaves to your glass.

In any case, these drinks will be much better for your health than sodas and other sugary drinks, which are very high in sugar and calories. One last point: you'll also find plenty of water in fruits like watermelon and oranges.