Healthy Living

Why do we need water?
Water is essential for the growth and maintenance of our bodies, as it's involved in a number of biological processes. Although it is not a nutrient, it is an important component of the diet.
In adults water comprises 50-70% of our total body weight, and without fluid, our body's survival time is limited to a matter of hours or days.

Water is lost from the body through urine and sweat, and this fluid needs to be replaced in the diet. Many people do not consume enough fluids - and as a result may become dehydrated, causing symptoms like headaches, tiredness and loss of concentration. Chronic dehydration can contribute to a number of health problems, such as constipation and kidney stones.

How much water do we need?

The body gets its water from three sources:

* Water as a beverage in itself, or water present in other beverages.
* Water present in solid foods.
* Water produced as a by-product of chemical reactions within the body.

It is suggested that an average adult should consume 2.5 litres of water per day. Of this, 1.8 litres must be obtained directly from beverages, the equivalent of 6-7 glasses of water per day. This intake needs to be increased during periods of hot weather or during and after periods of physical activity in order to avoid dehydration.

Water is the major ingredient of all drinks, for example, carbonated and still drinks are 65% water, diluted squashes are 86% water (after dilution) and fruit juices are 90% water. But drinking plain water is still the most effective way of replacing lost fluids from the body.

Bottled waters

So what about bottled waters? There are two types of bottled water: spring water and mineral water. Spring water is collected directly from the spring where it arises from the ground and must be bottled at the source. Zambian-sources of spring water must meet certain hygiene standards, but may be treated in order that they meet limits set on pollution.
Mineral water is water that emerges from under the ground, and then flows over rocks before it's collected. As a result of this mineral water has a higher content of various minerals, which are picked up as it flows over rock. Unlike spring water, natural mineral water cannot be treated except to remove grit and dirt. Different brands of spring and mineral waters will have differing amounts of minerals in them depending on where they have been sourced.

Disclaimer
All content within Manzivalley "Healthy Living" is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your okwn doctor or any other health care professional. Manzivalley Natural Mineral Water is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the Manzivalley HEALTHY LIVING website. Natural Valley is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health