ARE YOU REACHING YOUR DAILY WATER INTAKE TARGET?

Did you know you’re losing more water each day than you think?

• Body water content is higher in men than in women and falls with age.
• Most mature adults lose about 2.5 to 3 litres of water per day. Water loss may increase in hot weather and with prolonged exercise.
• Elderly people lose about two litres per day.
• An air traveler can lose approximately 1.5 litres of water during a three-hour flight.

The human body can last weeks without food, but only days without water. The body is made up of 50 to 75 per cent water. Water forms the basis of blood, digestive juices, urine and perspiration, and is contained in lean muscle, fat and bones. The amount we need depends on our body size, metabolism, the weather, the food we eat and our activity levels. Deakin University has investigated this topic thoroughly and come up with the following recommendations for daily water intake: Approximate adequate daily water intake (including plain water, milk and other drinks) in litres per day include:

• Infants 0–6 months – 0.7 (from breastmilk or formula)
• Infants 7–12 months – 0.9 (from breastmilk, formula and other foods and drinks
• Children 1–3 years – 1.0 (about 4 cups)
• Children 4–8 years – 1.2 (about 5 cups)
• Girls 9–13 years – 1.4 (about 5-6 cups)
• Boys 9–13 years – 1.6 (about 6 cups)
• Girls 14–18 years – 1.6 (about 6 cups)
• Boys 14–18 years – 1.9 (about 7-8 cups)
• Women – 2.1 (about 8 cups)
• Men – 2.6 (about 10 cups).

These adequate intakes include all fluids, but it is preferable that the majority of intake is from natural spring water (except for infants where fluid intake is met by breastmilk or infant formula). However there is no one rule for everyone. You make need to increase your daily water intake depending on the activities or environment you are in. For example, you need to increase your daily water intake when you are:

• on a high-protein diet
• on a high-fibre diet, as fluids help prevent constipation
• pregnant or breastfeeding (the fluid need is 750-1,000 ml a day above basic needs)
• vomiting or have diarrhoea
• physically active
• exposed to warm or hot conditions.

Risks of inadequate daily water intake Not drinking enough water can increase the risk of kidney stones and, in women, urinary tract infections. It can also lower your physical and mental performance, and salivary gland function, and lead to dehydration. To avoid these adverse health effects and ensure that you’re getting the adequate daily water intake for your body and environment make sure that you always have some Aussie Natural spring water at hand. A simple way to do this is by introducing a water cooler into your home or office. Water coolers guarantee that you have access to water 24/7 and can have delicious, natural spring water reading and flowing in seconds. Aussie’s water coolers hardy take up any space (less than a square foot) and boast an anti-spillage design- so there’s no mess to worry about. Start hitting your daily water intake target with an Aussie Natural water cooler from just $9/month. Contact Aussie today and have yours delivered straight to your door!!