The Importance of Balanced Hydration💧
Many people wonder whether it is possible to drink too much water, especially if they are health-conscious and keep an eye on their fluid intake. Water is undoubtedly the basis of all life: it supports every single bodily function, regulates body temperature, promotes metabolism, and helps eliminate harmful substances. Even slight fluid deficits can noticeably impair physical and mental performance. It is important to drink regularly and according to your needs, especially in hot weather or during physical activity, but also to listen to your body's signals.
How Much Water Does Our Body Need?💪
The general recommendation is to drink around 2 to 2.5 litres of water per day, though actual needs vary based on factors like body weight, age, activity level, and climate.
A simple guide to estimate daily needs is: body weight (kg) × 0.033 = litres per day.
Thirst is a reliable signal of your current fluid requirements. Water intake comes not only from drinks but also from food - items like fruit, vegetables, soups, and meat contribute about 0.8 litres daily. Meanwhile, the body loses around 2.6 litres each day through urine, sweat, breathing, and digestion, with urine accounting for the largest portion.
What Are the Symptoms of Drinking Too Much Water?🧑⚕️
The body normally regulates excess water through the kidneys without difficulty. Overhydration, or hyperhydration, usually only occurs when kidney function is overwhelmed or if pre-existing health conditions are present. Problems arise when large amounts of water - typically more than five to six litres in a short period - are consumed, diluting sodium levels in the blood and potentially causing hyponatremia, also known as "water intoxication." Typical signs of overhydration include:
- Headaches and nausea
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Seizures
- Breathing difficulties
- In extreme cases, cerebral oedema (life-threatening swelling of the brain caused by fluid retention)
Drinking Lots of Water: The Benefits✅
While excessive intake in a short time can be harmful, most people benefit from drinking more throughout the day, guided by thirst. This is because adequate hydration has numerous benefits for the body and mind. Being well hydrated:
- Supports metabolism
- Helps flush out toxins
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Improves concentration and brain function
- Regulates body temperature, especially during exercise
In summary, adequate intake is a simple but effective foundation for a vital and healthy lifestyle.
Drink More: The Best Everyday Tips🫗
You should increase your fluid intake in hot weather, during physical exertion, or when ill. Even then, thirst remains the most reliable indicator of water requirements. The following tips show how you can drink enough water in everyday life and how BRITA can help you do so:
Why Filtered Tap Water Is the Better Choice?⛲
Tap water is more environmentally friendly and costs less - one litre of mineral water is much more expensive than tap water, despite comparable or even superior quality in many regions.
Filtered tap water improves taste and safety by reducing limescale, chlorine, herbicides, pesticides, medication residues, and metals from pipes such as lead and copper. It also slightly reduces water hardness, making it ideal for tea and coffee.
