Water - The essence of good health

We hear a lot about what we should eat to stay healthy, but there's one thing we need even more than food each day - and that's water.

We hear a lot about what we should eat to stay healthy, but there's one thing we need even more than food each day - and that's water. Although we all know the importance of drinking enough water during the hot summer months, many people don't realize they need to drink plenty of water all year round.

Every part of your body needs water to work properly, but water is particularly important for keeping the kidneys healthy. Dehydration (lack of water) is one of the reasons why people develop kidney stones.

"I don't need water because I don't get thirsty", some people say. But that's because thirst can be slow to develop - often we don't feel thirst even when our bodies need fluid. We often confuse thirst with hunger too.

Sometimes when you think your body is asking for food, what it really needs is water. This is why it's a good habit to drink water regularly - whether you feel thirsty or not. Most of us need between 1.5 and 2.5 litres each day.

When your urine is clear, rather than yellow, you are sufficiently hydrated. But if the weather is hot or you are exercising, you need more. You need water before, in-between and after exercise.

Several times we have discussed the importance of adequate hydration. That is, drinking plenty of water. The following are some of the health conditions that can result from not drinking adequate water.