Each one of us, at some point, has been told to “drink more water.” While we how important it is to stay hydrated, how much H2O must we drink? Do we really need to drink at least two litres of water in a day? What temperature should it be at? We consulted Dr Christian Merkel, a dermatologist, allergist, and nutritional physician to help us settle the debate. “It's true that, in theory, you should aim to drink around 2-3 litres of water a day.
In medical school, we learn that 30-40 millilitres per kilogram of body weight is ideal. For someone weighing 70 kilograms, this equates to about two litres of water every day,” he says. Dr Merkel further explains that it is important to remember that a significant portion of this intake is already provided by our diet.
Physical activity and heat increase the need for fluids in the body. The expert cautions against drinking too much water, as it can lead to the depletion of essential salts in the body. An often overlooked aspect of water consumption is its temperature.
"This topic rarely comes up in my practice, but there really is an optimal water temperature for the body," says Dr Merkel. He points out that drinking water temperature is especially important for certain groups of people. Drinking water "Lukewarm water is ideal," says Dr Merkel, noting that the optimal temperature is around 36 degrees Celsius, which matches our body temperature.
The nutritionist explains that very cold drinks must first be warmed up in the gastrointestinal tract, while very hot drinks can irritate the digestive organs. “This is why, in Ayurvedic practices, beverages are always served at 36 degrees. However, in everyday life, room temperature is also acceptable.
” Why is lukewarm water better? "Lukewarm water is known for its pain-relieving properties, even for those prone to migraines ," Dr Merkel advises, adding that he strongly discourages migraine patients from drinking refrigerated water. Lukewarm water also offers relaxing and digestive benefits. "For those with digestive issues, such as constipation, a glass of lukewarm or slightly warmed water first thing in the morning can help relax the gastrointestinal tract, stimulate digestion, and boost metabolism ," he explains.
Why is ice-cold water not good for us? Many people instinctively reach for ice-cold water after exercising, during the summer, or on vacation. However, Dr Merkel cautions against this: “Cold water can irritate the body and also stimulate the sweat glands even more, causing you to lose additional fluids and valuable minerals.” Also Read: 7 signs that you're not drinking enough water, according to experts What should you eat pre-workout? A nutritionist says this From preventing acne to brightening skin—here are 8 benefits of using rose water.
