One of the most important requirements of the human body is water. We require this to maintain hydration in the body. Water helps the body regulate body temperature, keeps the mind alert and lifts energy levels by keeping our brain and all other internal organs swimming along nicely (metaphorically speaking).

The amount of water each individual requires daily varies based on level of activity, body weight and organ function. They say in general, the average adult human should drink about 2 litres of water a day. Of course if you do a lot of exercise, this number increases. Or if you have a kidney disorder, this number may actually decrease.

I do a lot of high intensity aerobic and sports based cardio in the evenings, yet I sit in a dry air conditioned office during the day. My daily water intake hits around the 3 litre mark and most of that water is actually consumed earlier in the day.

Upon waking in the morning, the body is usually mildly dehydrated. You can normally tell this by the fact you may be  bit thirsty, and when you go for your morning toilet stop, your urine will be a darker colour and the odour a bit more pungent that usual. This is why it is so important to rehydrate first thing as soon as you wake up.

Personally I drink 2-3 glasses of water before I have even left for work in the morning. Then as the day goes on I keep a 1.5litre bottle of water on my desk which I sip from through out the day. On top of that water I usually have a couple of cups of herbal tea. Finally, during exercise I do not drink much, I might sip about a cup of water. But after exercising, I will go on to consume 2-3 glasses of water.

If you are trying to loose weight, increasing your water intake will decrease your appetite and you will experience less of those “dehydration hunger pains” and be more likely to feel hungry when you actually need food.

It is generally advised that we avoid sweet, processed drinks that come in a bottle or a can as they are full of empty calories. The key to hydration is to listen to your body. If you feel thirsty, drink water.