My sister is a fitness instructor, and is in disbelief at my inability to consume water.

I often go a day or two without a drink of H2O.

Somehow, it just doesn't appeal to me.

Am I at risk of suffering from any medical conditions by limiting my intake of water?

Thanks.

Effie

Hi Effie

Thanks for your email. Regular water intake certainly is essential. Everybody's needs of course do vary according to daily activity levels and given that it sounds like you are doing the right thing with exercising, your water intake is very important. Water not only is important for each cell, it is also vital for the health of your elimination functions via the kidneys and bowel ie when you hear of all the talk about detox aids- whilst there are substances and therapies that can play a roll here, nothing is more important than water for this role.

Water is also an essential nutrient which accounts for 50-80% of body weight and is required for absorption, transporting, dissolving nutrients and body heat regulation. Research has also shown that a poor thirst mechanism can be a factor in chronic, mild dehydration.

As a guide for you, the Australian Government's expert committee the National Health & Medical Research council (NH&MRC) recently released new guidelines for water intake. They are 2.8 litres (about 8 cups) for women and 3.4 litres (10 cups) for men.

With regards your comment that you don't drink because you aren't thirsty, this mechanism is one that can be influenced by intake ie you should find that as you increase your intake, so too should your thirst, as your body becomes more use to being better hydrated.

I hope this helps encourage you to drink water more regularly Effie

All the best

Kind regards


Bob Wootton N.D.
Naturopath - Herron Natural Healthcare

The information provided is not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease, ailment, treatment or condition nor is it implied to be a substitute for medical advice.