Water for health

Water is essential for life on Earth. People can live for 

two months without food, but will die in less than a 

week without water.

 

 

Why do we need water?

 

Our bodies need water to help them function 

properly and help uslive our everyday lives. Here 

are just a few of the tasks our body needs

water for:

 

• To clean the blood as it passes through the 

kidneys.

 

• To control body temperature.

 

• To help in food digestion.

 

• To help remove waste products.

 

 

Other health benefits

 

• Mental alertness

 

• Stamina

 

• Fewer headaches

 

• Increased energy levels

 

• Combats fatigue

 

• Clearer skin

 

• Helps maintain a healthy weight and 

body functions

 

• Fresher breath

 

 

 

How much water is healthy?

 

There is a large amount of water inside us,

but we are losing it all the time. You lose

water when you breathe out, when you

sweat and when you go to the toilet. You

even lose water when you blink!

We need to drink about two litres of water

every day to stay healthy. That’s about six to

eight glasses a day. This could include water 

you naturally get from food and also drinks 

like orange, or tea and coffee. Don’t forget 

that you’ll need to drink more if it’s really 

hot or if you are playing sport. 

 

 

Stay topped up!

 

If you don’t drink enough water your 

body can become dehydrated. Here are 

some signs that you might need to drink 

more water.

 

• You have a light headache and feel a bit 

dizzy.

 

• You feel sleepy and tired.

 

• You are a bit snappy or irritable.

 

• You feel hungry, but in fact your body 

needs water!

 

• You feel thirsty.

 

The best way to check whether you are 

topped up is by the colour of your wee 

(urine). When you go to the toilet, it 

should be clear or nearly transparent. 

If it is dark yellow, then you need to 

drink more water!