Human Water Consumption Requirements

Humans lose water every day through activities and exercise. In turn, they must consume the amount of water lost during a day to lead a healthy lifestyle. If too much water is lost and not replaced, it can lead to dehydration or other medical conditions. Use common sense, when it comes to water consumption and drink a glass of water when you're thirsty.

Requirements

• Doctors suggest drinking eight glasses of water a day. This suggestion assumes the environment is cool, you weigh about 150 pounds and participate in some form of exercise for about 20 minutes a day. However, everyone's body is different. Water consumption is based on weight, level of physical activity and environmental conditions. Increased exercise means increased water consumption. If you drink alcohol, balance it by drinking an equivalent amount of water. Check with your doctor for specifics on water consumption, and use common sense to stay healthy.

Uses

• The human body is about 60 percent water. Water regulates body temperatures, protects body organs and tissues and moistens tissues in the mouth, eyes and nose. Water is needed to lubricate joints, prevent constipation and to carry nutrients and oxygen cells. The human body cannot function without water. It is needed to reduce the burden on the kidneys and liver by flushing waste from our systems and assist in dissolving minerals and other nutrients making them accessible to the body. About 20 percent of the water needed for bodily functions comes from the food you eat.

Warning

• If humans lose too much water or don't consume enough, they can become dehydrated. Typical signs of dehydration include: excessive thirst, dark yellow urine, lightheadedness, weakness, dry mouth and dizziness. These symptoms can lead to a more serious condition if water is not consumed. Humans can experience a weak pulse, convulsions, sunken eyes, loose skin and rapid breathing. Severe cases of dehydration can lead to heart failure and even death. Humans should carefully monitor their water consumption when vomiting or feverish, in a hot environment for extended periods of time or ill with diarrhea.

Alternatives

• Consuming enough water during a day can be difficult. Keep water handy at all times such as a glass of water on your desk or a bottle of water while exercising or traveling. Add lemon or lime for flavoring. Other beverages can be consumed in place of water and count towards the daily total. These include: sodas, teas, coffee, flavored waters, sports drinks and juices. Some juices have necessary vitamins and nutrients. Watch the sugar and calories in alternative drinks.

Contamination

• Consuming contaminated water can lead to serious health problems. Water polluted with biological contaminants and inadequate sanitary facilities can lead to malaria and cholera. Contamination can also come from chemicals, fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides that runoff into drinking water supplies. Boiling contaminated water for a few minutes kills bacteria and makes the water safe for human consumption. When traveling, drink bottled water to avoid contamination.