Donât ever take it for granted
By Carlos Bilan, Staff Writer
Summer is officially here! The sun is out and the weather forecast predicts that Vancouver could be experiencing historically high temperaturesâdamn you global warming!âso itâs definitely a life-saving idea to stay hydrated.
You have probably heard of the âeight glasses a dayâ rule by now. It has become a common saying, but studies show that this is actually an urban myth. According to the Dietitians of Canada, âThree litres [of water] are required for men 19 years old and over each day and 2.2 litres for women 19 years old and over each day.â However, this refers to fluids in general, meaning you have to also count the water contained in the food you eat. If you eat watermelon, drink soup, and consume food that contains water then the water content in that food is counted toward your required daily water intake.
In fact, if you drink more than you needâsay, to satisfy the eight glasses a day ruleâwhen youâre not thirsty, you can experience a fatal case of water poisoning. Doctor Frankie Philips of the British Diabetic Association told the Daily Mail that âdrinking too much water too quicklyâand weâre talking litres of water here, rather than cupfulsâcan play havoc with the delicate balance of salts in the body.â
While we all know that water is a basic necessity, this gift of nature is often taken for grantedâespecially in developed countries where there is a surplus of water. If youâre thirsty, you need to drink water or you could become dehydrated, especially if you turn to sugary juices or carbonated beverages, as too much sugar and caffeine will actually dehydrate you even more.
So, what is the rule of thumb? Listen to your body. If you are thirsty then drink water, because your body definitely needs it.
It is always good to have a large glass or bottle of water handy, because just having it around means you can always drink when your body is telling you youâre slightly thirsty. Another alternative is to use your thermos or big water bottle you bring to school at home as well. Just make sure you add ice! I find that ice cold water quenches my thirst easier than lukewarm water, and itâs more appealing to drink.
Water is amazing and I hope that you will all stay hydrated this summer. Remember, water is your best friend!