Water is vital for the human body. According to the Office on Women's Health, death would take only a few days for a body not getting water. Water makes up more than 60 percent of body weight. Water assists the body in many ways, including moistening tissue, including tissue near the eyes, mouth and nose. It helps to maintain body temperature through the evaporation of perspiration, which has a cooling effect. It also helps to lubricate joints, flush out waste products and helps the body get the nutrients it needs through digestion. The amount of daily water required can vary, but there are ways to know if the requirement is being met.
General Advice
The Office on Women's Health suggests that six to eight glasses of water daily is generally the daily requirement cited by experts. A glass is 8 fl oz. However, some of the requirement can be met by drinking other fluids such as coffee and juice, drinks that are mostly water. Fruits like tomatoes and watermelon also can help meet the daily water requirement.
Pregnancy
The Office on Women's Health notes that pregnancy changes the daily water requirement. Pregnant women should drink 10 8-oz. glasses of water daily. Women who are breast feeding have an additional water requirement and should drink 13 glasses daily.
Increased Requirements
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that there are conditions which increases the body's need for water. Hot weather increases the water requirement as does having a fever. Diarrhea or vomiting also increases the need. To stay hydrated during prolonged physical activity, the CDC suggests, drink fluids during the exercise period and several glasses after the activity has ended.
Knowing Requirements Are Met
According to the Mayo Clinic, the daily water requirements of a body are generally being met if during the course of a day the body produces about 1.5 liters, or 6.3 cups, of urine that is colorless or slightly yellow. Urine that has a deeper yellow color is an indication that not enough fluid is being taken in to keep the urine colorless.
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