Most neglected nutrient: Water

The most neglected but loyal friend of our body. We all concentrate on our carbs, protein, and fat intake but always miss the value of water in our life which helps all the macronutrients to utilize properly and make us fit and healthy. More than 60 percent of our total body weight is water. Our body can’t store water, that's why we need fresh supplies of water every day to make up for losses from the lungs, skin, urine, and feces. 

The amount of water we need daily depends on various factors like body size, metabolism, the weather, the food we eat, and also our activity levels.

People need to increase their water intake when they are:

• On a high-protein diet

• On a high-fiber diet (fluids help prevent constipation)

• Pregnant or lactating

• Vomiting or have diarrhea

• Physically active

• Exposed to warm or hot conditions

Risks of inadequate water intake

• Dehydration

• Risk of renal stones

• Urinary tract infection in women

• Lower physical and mental performance,

• Lower salivary gland function

You should keep in mind there is a negative impact as well if you over drink. If large amounts of water are consumed in a short period, the kidneys cannot excrete enough fluid and can also cause hyponatremia which can result in headaches, blurred vision, cramps, coma, and possibly death.